cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Mass Transport on the Determination of Corrosion Rates from Polarization Measurements

Many methods have been proposed for the determination of the corrosion current density from polarization curves; the two most commonly used ones are the three‐point method and the curve‐fitting method. The basis of these methods is a polarization equation that (i) was derived for the complete absence of mass‐transport effect or (ii) considers the cathodic partial reaction to be under complete mass‐transport control. The mixed‐control case has been much less investigated, even though this case may quite frequently reflect practical situations. A completely generalized polarization equation is proposed that can be used as a basis for curve‐fitting data evaluation under any conditions. This equation was used to determine the error caused by the neglect of mass‐transport effect in conventional data evaluation. The error of the calculated corrosion rate was found to be the function of two dimensionless parameters: the ratio of the corrosion current density to the cathodic limiting current density , and the ratio of the Tafel slopes . It was shown that the error can be considerable, even for small , if the ratio is high. However, up to , which is the case for many corrosion systems, the maximum error of the conventional data evaluation methods is less than 25% even when the system is near or under cathodic mass‐transport control. The errors at high values can be avoided by using a curve‐fitting data evaluation method based on the proposed polarization equation to determine , and, if desired, .
Rhetorical ascription and the gospel according to Dylan

The corpus of Bob Dylan's work poses interesting theoretical questions for rhetorical critics. Critical studies in the rhetoric of song have neglected to examine the suasory potentiality of the musical elements of songs, having dealt almost exclusively with lyrical content. This study utilizes rhetorical ascription to unite the lyrical and the musical features of song in an analysis of Bob Dylan's gospel performances.
Electron microscopic characterization of diamond films grown on Si by bias-controlled chemical vapor deposition

Diamond films grown by Bias-Controlled Hot Filament Chemical Vapor Deposition (BCCVD) on silicon (Si) substrates were characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Both plan-view and cross-sectional TEM samples were made from diamond films grown under different biasing conditions. It was found that defect densities in the films were substantially reduced under zero and reverse bias (substrate negative relative to the filament) as compared to forward bias. Furthermore, the diamond/Si interface of the reverse arid zero bias films consisted of a single thin interfacial layer whereas multiple interfacial layers existed at the diamond/Si interface of films grown under forward (positive) bias. Tungsten (W) contamination was also found in the interfacial layers of forward bias films. It is concluded that forward biasing in the present condition is not favorable for growing high quality, low defect density, diamond films. The possible mechanisms which induced the microstructural differences under different biasing conditions are discussed.
Shear flow properties of polymer blend models with and without droplet inertia

Abstract Qualitative characteristics of polymer blend models with and without inertia are analyzed for simple shear flow and for several sets of model parameters. For model parameters investigated here, the calculations reveal orbits of the “wagging” type for the transient orientation/deformation of droplets and for both models. For these orbits, the orientation angle of droplets oscillates around a mean value and this oscillation can have a small or a large amplitude. For oscillations of the orientation angle with a small amplitude (few degrees) droplets are strongly deformed and droplet orientation varies periodically around the flow alignment angle. For large amplitude oscillations (almost 45°) of the orientation angle, the droplet shape oscillates between configurations that are strongly deformed and almost spherical. It is concluded that transient shear flow predictions are consistent for both models and for the parameter range considered in this work. For steady shear flow, it is found that the model with inertia has a stable fixed point and consequently it can be used to model corresponding properties of polymer blends. The model predicts affine droplet deformation, no droplet shape relaxation, and a purely viscous non-Newtonian stress tensor for steady shear flow. Furthermore, the predicted stress tensor for simple shear flow is asymmetric. Conversely, for the model without inertia four unstable fixed points have been found and consequently it cannot be used for the prediction of steady shear flow properties.
San Andreas drilling sites selected

A new initiative for drilling and coring directly into the San Andreas fault at depths up to 10 km is being proposed by an international team of scientists led by Mark Zoback, Stanford University; Steve Hickman and Bill Ellsworth, U.S. Geological Survey; and Lee Younker, Lawrence Livermore Laboratory. In addition to exhuming samples of fault rock and fluids from seismogenic depths, the hole will be used to make a wide range of geophysical measurements within the fault zone and to monitor the fault zone over time. Four areas along the San Andreas have been selected as candidates for deep drilling: the Mojave segment of the San Andreas between Leona Valley and Big Pine, the Carrizo Plain, the San Francisco Peninsula between Los Altos and Daly City, and the Northern Gabilan Range between the Cienga winery and Melendy Ranch. These sites were chosen from an initial list compiled at the International Fault Zone Drilling Workshop held in Asilomar, Calif., in December 1992 and at meetings held this winter and spring in Menlo Park, Calif.
Onset capture requires attention

We studied exogenous cuing caused by an uninformative abrupt onset during a time when subjects were under the influence of the attentional blink. In two experiments, we found a reduced impact of exogenous cuing during the blink time of the attentional blink. The results indicate that involuntary orienting caused by abrupt onsets is sensitive to manipulation of available attentional resources. Thus, onset capture requires attention.
A rapid chemical method of labeling human plasma proteins with 99mTc-pertechnetate at pH 7.4.

Abstract A successful method for labeling human plasma proteins with 99 m Tc-pertechnetate by chemical means is described. The labeling methodology involves the production of 99 m Tc-(Sn)citrate complex species with high protein binding capacity at pH 7.4 condition following initial chemical reduction of sodium 99 m Tc-pertechnetate by stannous chloride. A combined labeling efficiency range of 95–99% for 99 m Tc-labeled fibrinogen, immune gamma globulin and serum albumin is achieved. The actual amount of labeled protein content in the product is found to be 85–95% when assayed by ITLC and 74–85% by TCAA protein precipitation. In vitro experimental data indicate that 99 m Tc-fibrinogen contains an average of 85% clottable protein with an average clottability of 95%. This strongly suggests that the radioactive proteins retain much of their biological and physiological activities after the labeling process.
Superantibody activities: new players in innate and adaptive immune responses

Abstract Heinz Kohler and Sudhir Paul propose the term superantibody to describe multifunctional antibodies that combine the classical antigen-binding function with a nonclassical, qualitatively distinct, biological function. Discrete ligand-binding sites in the variable domain within these antibodies are responsible for their nonclassical biological functions, such as chemical catalysis, nucleotide binding, self-binding and superantigen binding.
Analysis of the decay B-->D*Xl nu -barl with predictions from heavy quark and chiral symmetry.

This paper considers the implications of the heavy quark and chiral symmetries for the semi-leptonic decay $B \rightarrow D~* X \ell \bar \nu_\ell$. The general kinematic analysis for decays of the form {\sl pseudoscalar meson $\rightarrow$ vector meson $+$ pseudoscalar meson $+$ lepton $+$ anti-lepton} is presented. This formalism is applied to the above exclusive decay which allows the differential decay rate to be expressed in a form that is ideally suited for the experimental determination of the different form factors for the process through angular distribution measurements. Heavy quark and chiral symmetry predictions for the form factors are presented, and the differential decay rate is calculated in the kinematic region where chiral perturbation theory is valid.
Recent Trends in Outpatient Antibiotic Use in Children

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to determine changes in antibiotic-dispensing rates among children in 3 health plans located in New England [A], the Mountain West [B], and the Midwest [C] regions of the United States. METHODS: Pharmacy and outpatient claims from September 2000 to August 2010 were used to calculate rates of antibiotic dispensing per person-year for children aged 3 months to 18 years. Differences in rates by year, diagnosis, and health plan were tested by using Poisson regression. The data were analyzed to determine whether there was a change in the rate of decline over time. RESULTS: Antibiotic use in the 3- to P CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic dispensing for children may have reached a new plateau. Along with identifying best practices in low-prescribing areas, decreasing broad-spectrum use for particular conditions should be a continuing focus of intervention efforts.
Noise figure, ripple and output power advantage of Erbium doped fiber amplifier with slope adjustable filter element

Noise figure, ripple and output power advantage of Erbium doped fiber amplifier incorporating a slope adjustable filter element is demonstrated for the first time over a range of input power and gain slope conditions.
Rim and exocytosis: Rab3a-binding and secretion-enhancing domains are separate and function independently.

: Rim1 has been identified in brain by its ability to bind Rab3a-GTP and has been postulated to be a Rab3a effector protein. Like Rabphilin3, another putative Rab3a effector protein, Rim1 modulates secretion and contains a zinc-finger and two C2 domains. We have investigated the structural basis for the ability of Rim1 to bind Rab3a-GTP and to stimulate exocytosis in chromaffin cells.
Penicillium andAspergillus species in the habitats of allergy patients in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area

Penicillium andAspergillus have been recognized as important aeroallergens for more than 30 years, and are especially significant in indoor environments. There are over 400 species ofPenicillium andAspergillus combined, but there is little information on which species occur most frequently in the environment, or if each exhibits unique allergenic properties. A preliminary study showed no overlap between those species isolated from an outdoor site in Tulsa, Oklahoma and the species used in immunotherapy at allergy clinics in the Tulsa area. Pursuing this line of research, air samples were collected as three seasonal samples (over a 6 month period) in the homes or offices of ten allergy patients known to be allergic toPenicillium and/orAspergillus. Twenty three species ofPenicillium and 12 species ofAspergillus were identified from these samples through isolation, macroscopic, and microscopic examination.Penicillium corylophilum, P. glabrum, Aspergillus niger, andA. flavipes were the most abundant species isolated, supporting the data obtained in a preliminary study. At least in the Tulsa area, it appears that atopic patients are being tested and treated with extracts ofPenicillium andAspergillus species that are either not present or not abundant in the local indoor or outdoor environments. Additional research is necessary to determine if the environmental isolates share allergens with those species used in immunotherapy.
Ultrastructural effects of Bacillus thuringiensis var. san diego on midgut cells of the cottonwood leaf beetle

Abstract Sequential observations of the ultrastructural effects of Bacillus thuringiensis var. san diego were made on midgut epithelial cells of the cottonwood leaf beetle, Chrysomela scripta F. Larvae imbibed a droplet of B. thuringiensis var. san diego containing δ-endotoxin and live spores. Sections of midgut were prepared for transmission electron microscopy at 15-min intervals during the first hour and then hourly for a duration of 3 hr. No signs of cellular disruption were observed until 2 hr after treatment. At this time midgut epithelial cells from treated larvae appeared more elongate and swollen than cells observed from control larvae, with the apical region of the cell bulging into the gut lumen. The cells contained large cytoplasmic spaces, expansion of the basal labyrinth, disruption of rough endoplasmic reticulum, and apical displacement of nuclei. No adverse effects were observed on microvilli, membranes, or organelles. After 3 hr cellular damage had increased, with cells ruptured at the apical surface and leakage of cytoplasmic materials into the gut lumen. B. thuringiensis var. san diego proliferated in the midgut lumen, producing additional δ-endotoxin crystals during sporulation. Although cellular swelling caused by B. thuringiensis var. san diego δ-endotoxin is similar to that reported for B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki δ-endotoxin in lepidopterans, some differences were observed. These differences included lack of membrane lesions and microvillar damage and comparatively slow response.
Katalytische Antikörper: Eine neue Klasse von Übergangszustands‐Analoga zur Erzeugung hydrolytischer Antikörper

Design und Herstellung von selektiven Katalysatoren sind wichtige Ziele von Chemikern und Biologen. Fur die Katalysatorentwicklung gibt es eine Reihe von neueren Strategien, wie die Derivatisierung von synthetischen Wirtverbindungen, die chemische Modifikation und die ortsspezifische Mutagenese von Enzymen sowie die Beeinflussung der naturlichen Enzymaktivitaten durch organische Losungsmittel. Seit 1986 nutzen mehrere Laboratorien das Immunsystem, um selektive Antikorper-Katalysatoren zu erzeugen, die eine breite Palette von chemischen Transformationen katalysieren konnen. Dazu gehoren zum Beispiel Acyltransfer-Reaktionen, β-Eliminierungen, C,C-Verknupfungen, C,C-Spaltungen, Porphyrin-katalysierte Metallierungen, Peroxidierungen und Redoxreaktionen. Bandbreite und Zahl der Transformationen, die wahrend dieser kurzen Zeit durch Antikorper katalysiert werden konnten, belegen die vielfaltigen Moglichkeiten dieser Technik zur Erzeugung selektiver Katalysatoren fur die Anwendung in Chemie, Biologie und Medizin. Wir berichten hier uber den Einsatz einer neuen Klasse von ungeladenen Ubergangszustands-Analoga zur Erzeugung von Antikorpern, die die Hydrolyse von Estern und Carbonaten katalysieren, sowie uber einen Vergleich dieser Antikorper mit Antikorpern gegen Analoga von tetraedrisch konfigurierten Phosphat- und Phosphonat-Ubergangszustands-Analoga.
An improved method for the preparation of standards for glycosyl-linkage analysis of complex carbohydrates

We describe herein a simple procedure that yields a mixture of all possible partially O-methylated, partially O-acetylated alditols that can be formed from a given methyl glycoside
Analysis of gene expression by tissue and developmental stage

High-throughput sequencing of cDNAs from multiple tissue- and stage-specific libraries is an efficient method for characterizing gene expression by tissue and developmental stage. When combined with functional information derived from the systematic study of transcription factors, signal transducers, and other regulatory molecules in model systems, data from expressed sequence tag projects provide an increasingly detailed picture of gene expression and its regulation. Understanding this picture will require the development of highly sophisticated databases to organize and correlate these data.
The X-ray crystal structure determination, and biosynthetic studies of the antibiotic, heptelidic acid

Abstract A sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Gliocladium virens, was identical to the antibiotic, heptelidic acid The complete structure of heptelidic acid, including the orientation of the epoxide ring was determined by single crystal X-ray defraction analysis. Feeding experiments with carbon-13 labeled acetate allowed complete assignment of the 13C-NMR spectrum and showed that trans, trans- or cis, trans-farnesyl pyrophosphate is the probable biosynthetic precursor to heptelidic acid. These experiments also showed that during the biosynthesis of cadalene type sesquiterpenes, the isopropylidene group is held rigid during ring closure and protonation. Thus, in the feeding experiment with [1,2-13C] acetate the methine carbon of the isopropyl group in heptelidic acid is asymmetric since the carbon of one methyl group is 13C and the other is 12C. An enzymatic Baeyer-Villiger type oxygen insertion is proposed for the formation of the lactone ring.
Stereochemical properties of lysophosphatidic acid receptor activation and metabolism.

Abstract Ligand recognition by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), as well as substrate recognition by enzymes, almost always shows a preference for a naturally occurring enantiomer over the unnatural one. Recognition of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) by its receptors is an exception, as both the natural l (R) and unnatural d (S) stereoisomers of LPA are equally active in bioassays. In contrast to the enantiomers of LPA, analogs of N-acyl-serine phosphoric acid (NASPA) and N-acyl-ethanolamine phosphoric acid (NAEPA), which contain a serine and an ethanolamine backbone, respectively, in place of glycerol, are recognized in a stereoselective manner. This stereoselective interaction may lead to the development of receptor subtype-selective antagonists. In the present study, we review the stereochemical aspects of LPA pharmacology and describe the chemical synthesis of pure LPA enantiomers together with their ligand-binding properties toward the LPA1, LPA2, and LPA3 receptors and their metabolism by lipid phosphate phosphatase 1 (LPP1). Finally, we evaluate the concept of stereopharmacology in developing novel ligands for LPA receptors.
Heterogeneous databases: proliferations, issues, and solutions

The authors characterize the notion of heterogeneous databases as the inevitable consequence of replacing the traditional data processing practice with modern database management. They articulate the current problems and future issues connected with the great proliferation and overwhelming use of heterogeneous databases and their DBMS (database management systems). They survey available DBMS solutions to these problems and issues. The limitations and advantages of various DBMS solutions are examined. To this end, a taxonomy of DBMS solutions to the problems and issues of heterogeneous databases is presented. Some of the current research and proposals on the heterogeneous-database solutions are discussed in the context of the taxonomy. >
Are glial cells targets of the central noradrenergic system? A review of the evidence.

Abstract It has been suggested by a number of investigators that glial cells as well as neurons are targets of the central noradrenergic system. This important hypothesis, however, has not been presented previously in a systematic and unified manner. The present review was therefore undertaken to accomplish this. The evidence supporting noradrenergic action on glia consists primarily of findings that β-adrenoceptors, norepinephrine (NE)-stimulated cyclic AMP (cAMP) responses and glycogen are localized preferentially in glial cells and that β-receptor density and glycogen hydrolysis are under the control of neuronally released NE. While there is some disagreement as to the extent to which β-receptors are preferentially localized in glia, there is a consensus that most glycogen in the forebrain is localized in this cellular compartment. The presumed function of the noradrenergic action on glia appears to be the release of glucose for production of energy, the synthesis of neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth factor, and the release of substances which may affect local neurotransmission including taurine, cAMP and its metabolites. These glial responses may be intimately related to the electrophysiological actions of NE on neurons.
Effects of temperature and ethanol concentration on the maintenance and yield coefficient of Zymomonas mobilis.

This study was undertaken to obtain data on the maintenance of Z. mobilis strain ATCC 10988. The cultures were grown in a defined minimum medium under glucose limitation. The effects of temperature, glucose concentration and growth rates were studied on these parameters. 17 references
Sarcolemmal evaginations with knob-like or stalked projections in Purkinje fibers of the sheep's heart

We have reexamined sheep heart Purkinje fibers for ultrastructural correlates of the classical observation that their membrane capacity per unit area is at least ten times greater than that of other tissues. Electron micrographs show characteristic sarcolemmal evaginations which themselves give rise to knob-like or stalked projections. These projections form clusters surrounded only by basement membrane and protruding into the extracellular space. The evaginations are sometimes associated with subsarcolemmal leptofibrils. The sarcolemmal evaginations and their projections are structurally analogous to those we have previously described at the intercalated disk of the cat heart and in the T-system of the rat heart. The present observations indicate that the true surface area of Purkinje fibers is substantially greater than assumed in classical membrane capacity calculations. In addition, the elaborate fine structure of the sarcolemmal evaginations suggests that they have previously unsuspected specialized functions.
Identification of molecular and subsurface oxygen on stepped Rh(711)

Abstract The adsorption of oxygen on Rh(711) was studied over a wide range of oxygen coverages using temperature programmed desorption, high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and low energy electron diffraction (LEED). Oxygen adsorption on Rh(711), a Rh(100) surface with four atom terraces and a (111) step, differs significantly from the behavior observed on the flat Rh(100) surface. Unlike Rh(100), the Rh(711) surface shows a strong O-O stretch at 1079 cm −1 , considerable amounts of subsurface oxygen, and a LEED pattern which indicates a surface reconstruction. Rh(711) adsorbs oxygen dissociatively at 100 K and at low coverages, gives a single HREELS Rh-O mode which varies from about 410 to 435 cm −1 with increasing coverage, and a sharp c(2 × 2) LEED pattern. Desorption from this state grows in with the peak temperature shifting from 1250 to 1135 K characteristic of second-order desorption kinetics. We conclude that oxygen atoms adsorb initially on the terraces, rather than the steps, on this surface. At higher coverages, a new first-order or quasi-zero-order peak appears at 835 K at the same time that desorption from a molecular state is observed in two peaks at 125 and 150 K. On the fully saturated surface, the O-O stretch is observed at 1079 cm −1 which we assign to a superoxo molecular oxygen species. At high oxygen coverages, complicated LEED patterns are observed that suggest a reconstruction of the clean Rh(711) surface structure. O/Rh AES peak intensity ratios show that oxygen goes subsurface at these high coverages and HREELS shows two atomic oxygen stretches at 413 and 534 cm −1 , assigned to oxygen in four- and three-fold sites, respectively. The results show that the four-atom wide Rh(100) terraces are different from flat Rh(100) single crystals with respect to: atomic oxygen ordered structures, facile subsurface oxygen diffusion, and HREELS detection of molecular oxygen.
The adjoint method for determining influence lines

Abstract A method for computing influence lines is presented. Influence lines are widely used in structural design to determine worst-case locations of live loads. The method is a result of giving physical interpretation to certain adjoint variables used in the field of design sensitivity analysis. The method is general, and can be easily implemented in finite element programs. Computational aspects and example problems are discussed.
Dicamba Resistance: Enlarging and Preserving Biotechnology-Based Weed Management Strategies

The advent of biotechnology-derived, herbicide-resistant crops has revolutionized farming practices in many countries. Facile, highly effective, environmentally sound, and profitable weed control methods have been rapidly adopted by crop producers who value the benefits associated with biotechnology-derived weed management traits. But a rapid rise in the populations of several troublesome weeds that are tolerant or resistant to herbicides currently used in conjunction with herbicide-resistant crops may signify that the useful lifetime of these economically important weed management traits will be cut short. We describe the development of soybean and other broadleaf plant species resistant to dicamba, a widely used, inexpensive, and environmentally safe herbicide. The dicamba resistance technology will augment current herbicide resistance technologies and extend their effective lifetime. Attributes of both nuclear- and chloroplast-encoded dicamba resistance genes that affect the potency and expected durability of the herbicide resistance trait are examined.
On the evaporation of ammonium nitrate aerosol

Abstract Gaseous NH 3 and HNO 3 were continuously and rapidly removed from an aerosol containing small, aqueous solution droplets of NH 4 NO 3 (MMD = 0.4 μm), resulting in evaporation of the NH 4 NO 3 from the droplets. The rate of evaporation was measured by following changes in the size distribution of the aerosol with time. The measured rates agree well with those predicted from existing theories of gaseous diffusion and concentrated solution chemistry. The resulting ‘evaporation’ coefficient for both NH 3 and HNO 3 was unity, implying that resistance to transport of molecules across the vapor-liquid interface is small. The observed rates imply negligible sampling errors from evaporation of NH 4 NO 3 in gas denuder tubes used in atmospheric measurements of HNO 3 and particulate nitrate compounds.
Natural resource use with limited-tenure property rights

Abstract We study the dynamic harvest incentives faced by a renewable resource harvester with insecure property rights. A resource “concession” is granted for a fixed duration, after which it is renewed (with a known probability) only if a target stock is achieved. Despite the insecurity of this property right, simple concessions contracts can be designed to induce first best harvest trajectories. We examine how those contracts will depend on economic, ecological, and institutional variables, and apply theoretical insights to two concessions-managed fisheries in Baja California, Mexico.
The Relation of Cognitive and Memorial Processes to Persuasion in a Simulated Jury Trial

Four experiments investigated the dependence of persuasion on cognitive factors. All experiments employed a court case for which 795 subjects acted as jury members, reading summaries of both the prosecution and defense's testimony. The amount of objective information on both sides of the case was varied. Persuasion was a position function of the number of prosecution arguments and the number of defense arguments. This finding was extended by obtaining measures of the subjects’cognitive reactions to the case as well as their opinions and by following both of these measures over time. Both analysis of variance and multiple regression techniques showed that subjects could have derived their opinions from their cognitions about the case. This relationship also held up over time. These results suggest the general form of an information-processing theory of persuasion. One prediction of this theory is for an asymptotic function relating objective information to persuasion. This prediction received empirical support.
Maturation and the Evolution of Imitative Learning in Artificial Organisms

The traditional explanation of delayed maturation age, as part of an evolved life history, focuses on the increased costs of juvenile mortality due to early maturation. Prior quantitative models of these trade-offs, however, have addressed only morphological phenotypic traits, such as body size. We argue that the development of behavioral skills prior to reproductive maturity also constitutes an advantage of delayed maturation and thus should be included among the factors determining the trade-off for optimal age at maturity. Empirical support for this hypothesis from animal field studies is abundant. This article provides further evidence drawn from simulation experiments. Latent energy environments (LEE) are a class of tightly controlled environments in which learning organisms are modeled by neural networks and evolve according to a type of genetic algorithm. An advantage of this artificial world is that it becomes possible to discount all nonbehavioral costs of early maturity in order to focus exclusi...
Esomeprazole in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori

Proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapy is the most commonly used treatment for eradication of Helicobacter pylori, with pooled eradication rates of approximately 90%. In the USA, per protocol eradication rates with 10-day proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapy are approximately 85%. Esomeprazole, a new proton pump inhibitor that is the S-isomer of omeprazole and produces a greater inhibition of acid secretion than omeprazole, has recently been evaluated in the treatment of H. pylori. Seven-day twice daily triple therapy with esomeprazole 20 mg. amoxicillin 1 g and clarithromycin 500 mg provided intention-to-treat eradication rates of 86-90% and per protocol eradication rates of 90-91% in duodenal ulcer patients in Europe and Canada. Ten-day triple therapy with esomeprazole 40 mg q.d.s., amoxicillin 1 g b.d. and clarithromycin 500 mg b.d. achieved intention-to-treat eradication rates of 77-78% and per protocol eradication rates of 84-85% in USA duodenal ulcer patients. Thus, esomeprazole triple therapy with amoxicillin and clarithromycin is effective in the treatment of H. pylori, with eradication rates comparable to previously studied proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapies.
A Voltage-Triggered System for Adaptive Sampling in Body Surface Mapping

Cardiac electrophysiological waveforms are particularly well suited for adaptive sampling since they are periodic and contain some segments of both rapid and slow change. Rather than sampling at a constant rate, adaptive sampling allows the sampling rate to change according to the rate at which new information is received. This study considered the effectiveness of a voltage-triggered system as a means for adaptive sampling during QRST of the cardiac cycle.
Possible Role of Liver Cytosolic and Mitochondrial Aldehyde Dehydrogenases in Acetaldehyde Metabolism

To provide a molecular basis for understanding the possible mechanism of action of antidipsotropic agents in laboratory animals, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) isozymes were purified and characterized from the livers of hamsters and rats and compared with those from humans. The mitochondrial ALDHs from these species exhibit virtually identical kinetic properties in the oxidation and hydrolysis reactions. However, the cytosolic ALDH of human origin differs significantly from those of the rodents. Thus, for human ALDH-1, the Km value for acetaldehyde is 180 +/- 10 micromolar, whereas those for hamster ALDH-1 and rat ALDH-1 are 12 +/- 3 and 15 +/- 3 micromolar, respectively. Km values determined at pH 9.5 are virtually identical to those measured at pH 7.5. In vitro human ALDH-1 is 10 times less sensitive to disulfiram inhibition than are the hamster and rat cytosolic ALDHs. Competition between acetaldehyde and aromatic aldehydes or naphthaldehydes for the binding and catalytic sites of ALDHs shows their topography to be complex with more than one binding site. This also follows from data on substrate inhibition and activation, effects of NAD+ on ALDH-catalyzed hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl esters, substrate specificity toward aldehydes and p-nitrophenyl esters, and inhibition by disulfiram in relation to oxidation and hydrolysis catalyzed by the ALDHs. The data further suggest that acetaldehyde cannot be considered as a "standard" ALDH substrate for studies aimed at aromatic ALDH substrates, e.g. biogenic aldehydes. Apparently, in human liver, only mitochondrial ALDH oxidizes acetaldehyde at physiological concentrations, whereas in hamster or rat liver, both the mitochondrial and cytosolic isozymes will do so.
Is Frequent Self-Weighing Associated with Poorer Body Satisfaction? Findings from a Phone-Based Weight Loss Trial.

Abstract Objective To examine the effect of self-weighing frequency on weight change and body satisfaction. Design Observational study based on findings from a 6-month randomized controlled telephone-based weight loss trial. Data collected at baseline and 6 months. Setting Metropolitan community-based sample. Participants Sixty-three obese adults. Mean age 49.5 years, 82% percent white, and 79% female. Mean body mass index at baseline was 34.2 kg/m 2 . Main Outcome Measures Change in weight and body satisfaction. Analysis General linear model regression was used to assess the effect of self-weighing on outcomes of interest. Statistical significance was set at α level .05. Treatment group and baseline values of dependent variables included as covariates in all analyses. Results Participants who increased their frequency of self-weighing over the 6-month period demonstrated significantly better weight loss outcomes than those who maintained or decreased their frequency of self-weighing (-6.8 kg vs -3.1 kg, F=8.59, P = .006). There were no significant associations between self-weighing frequency and body satisfaction at 6 months (F = 0.55, P = .58). Conclusions and Implications These findings support frequent self-weighing for weight control. There appears to be little or no effect of self-weighing on body satisfaction. Future research should replicate these findings across a larger, more diverse population of overweight adults.
GI Drug Absorption in Rats Exposed to Cobalt-60 γ-Radiation II: In Vivo Rate of Absorption

The rate of absorption of sulfanilamide, bretylium tosylate, sulfisoxazole acetyl, and riboflavin was studied in rats exposed to 850 rad of cobalt-60 γ-radiation either 1 or 5 days before oral drug administration. Polyethylene glycol 4000 was administered with sulfanilamide; its distribution along the GI tract indicated that the gastric emptying rate was reduced threefold at 1 day postirradiation but returned to normal at 5 days postirradiation; the small intestinal transit rate was not detectably altered by irradiation. At 1 day postirradiation, there was a marked decrease in the absorption rate of sulfanilamide, a smaller, although significant, decrease in the absorption rate of sulfisoxazole acetyl and bretylium, and an increase in the absorption rate of riboflavin. At 5 days postirradiation, the drug absorption rate was normal. The changes in the absorption rate of the drugs were due to a radiation-induced reduction in the gastric emptying rate; the permeability of the GI epithelium did not appear to be affected by radiation. The results indicate that, immediately following irradiation, a marked reduction in the gastric emptying rate causes a pronounced reduction in the absorption rate of rapidly absorbed drugs, a less pronounced reduction in the absorption rate of drugs that are absorbed slowly because of slow dissolution or slow diffusion across the GI epithelium, and an increase in the absorption rate of drugs that are absorbed by a saturable mechanism provided the mechanism is not impaired by irradiation.
Small area analysis of hospital discharges for musculoskeletal diseases in Michigan: the influence of socioeconomic factors.

Abstract purpose: The rise in health care costs has occasioned a number of initiatives in an attempt to reduce the rate of increase. Despite the growth of health maintenance organizations and preferred provider organizations and the introduction of Medicare's prospective payment system, health care costs have continued to increase. Coincident with these efforts, a number of researchers have shown that there exists wide variation in age-adjusted hospital discharge rates, which translate into significant variation in per capita expenditures. Much of the focus on the reasons for hospital admission variability has been on physician practice variation. If most of the variation in hospital discharge rates is due to physician practice style, then payment systems can be developed (e.g., capitation) that limit physician practice variation without harming patients. We examined socioeconomic factors in Michigan communities to assess their association with hospital discharge rates for patients with musculoskeletal diseases. patients and methods: Data on hospital discharges from 1980 and 1987 were taken from the Michigan Inpatient Data Base. All admissions from the major diagnostic category 8, diagnosisrelated group (DRG) 209–256 were included. Zip code-specific hospitalization data were grouped into small geographic areas or hospital market communities (HMCs). Discharge rates were calculated, and profiles of the socioeconomic characteristics of each of the HMCs were developed. A Poisson regression model with an extrasystematic component of variance was used to analyze the association of HMC socioeconomic characteristics with age-adjusted hospital use. results: We found that four socioeconomic variables, average annual income per capita, percent of the population with four years of college, percent of the population living in an urban area, and percent of families with incomes below the poverty line, explained 26.6% (R 2 ) of the variation in overall hospital discharge rates (p conclusion: Socioeconomic factors play a significant role in explaining the observed variation in hospital discharge rates for musculoskeletal diseases. Models utilizing only physician practice variation to account for the populationbased differences in discharge rates are overly simplistic. In order to ensure that vulnerable subsets of the population are not harmed by the introduction of cost-containment strategies based on simplistic models, more attention must be paid to the socioeconomic and epidemiologic factors related to hospital use.
Direct simulation of fluid-solid mechanics in porous media using the discrete element and lattice-Boltzmann methods

[1] A detailed understanding of the coupling between fluid and solid mechanics is important for understanding many processes in Earth sciences. Numerical models are a popular means for exploring these processes, but most models do not adequately handle all aspects of this coupling. This paper presents the application of a micromechanically based fluid-solid coupling scheme, lattice-Boltzmann discrete element method (LBDEM), for porous media simulation. The LBDEM approach couples the lattice-Boltzmann method for fluid mechanics and a discrete element method for solid mechanics. At the heart of this coupling is a previously developed boundary condition that has never been applied to coupled fluid-solid mechanics in porous media. Quantitative comparisons of model results to a one-dimensional analytical solution for fluid flow in a slightly deformable medium indicate a good match to the predicted continuum-scale fluid diffusion-like profile. Coupling of the numerical formulation is demonstrated through simulation of porous medium consolidation with the model capturing poroelastic behavior, such as the coupling between applied stress and fluid pressure rise. Finally, the LBDEM model is used to simulate the genesis and propagation of natural hydraulic fractures. The model provides insight into the relationship between fluid flow and propagation of fractures in strongly coupled systems. The LBDEM model captures the dominant dynamics of fluid-solid micromechanics of hydraulic fracturing and classes of problems that involve strongly coupled fluid-solid behavior.
A Current Probe for Measuring the Individual Ball Current in a Ball–Grid–Array Packaged Device

A current probe was designed to measure ball currents in a Ball-Grid-Array (BGA) package via magnetic induction. This probe, which is based on a Rogowski coil structure, is manufactured in a four-layer flex circuit. Very tiny feature sizes, such as 2 mil buried micro vias and 2 mil trace widths/clearances, push the limit of the flex-circuit fabrication process technology. This design allows the current of a ball in a 1-mm pitch BGA package to be measured. It can also be migrated to package with smaller pitch if the fabrication process allows. This probe is practical for engineering applications as a result of three major advantages. It operates in a broadband from 10 to 3 GHz. The probe can be relocated to different balls and no special printed circuit board is needed. The probe shows acceptable shielding effectiveness of the unwanted fields caused by adjacent balls or sources. In conjunction with both a differential amplifier and an active oscilloscope probe, the output signal is sufficiently amplified to overcome the noise figure of the oscilloscope. This allows time domain measurements. Moreover, a frequency-domain data processing program was developed for correcting the probe's frequency response and reconstructing the time domain waveform. The probe is validated against analytical calculation, and full-wave simulation; it is characterized with the aid of circuit modeling. The probe's functionality is finally demonstrated with a field-programmable-gate-array test board.
Advances in Stent-Assisted Management of Intracranial Occlusive Disease and Cerebral Aneurysms

The use of stents in the intracranial circulation has been made possible by rapid developments in stent technology in recent years. Considerable improvements in stent design, delivery devices, and technique have expanded the use of stenting to the treatment of intracranial disorders. This article reviews the indications for endovascular stenting for cerebral aneurysms and intracranial atherosclerosis and describes the periprocedure management and technique applied at the Department of Neurosurgery at the University at Buffalo.
Comparing Numbers of Drinks: College Students' Reports From Retrospective Summary, Followback, and Prospective Daily Diary Measures

Objective:Retrospective summary, followback (retrospective diaries), and prospective daily diary measures of alcohol use among college students were compared across 29 days. Method:Participants were college students (n = 176; 60.2% female). Similarities in the three web-based reporting methods and both between-persons (i.e., gender, past drinking behavior, fraternity/sorority affiliation, average drinking behavior during the study period) and within-person (i.e., daily number of drinks, weekend days, Halloween, and week of study) predictors of concordance between reports of followback and prospective diaries were analyzed. Results:On prospective diaries, students reported a greater number of maximum drinks (compared with followback only) and a greater number of heavy drinking days in the past 2 weeks (compared with both followback and retrospective summary measures). In followback compared with prospective diaries, students tended to provide inflated accounts of their drinking behavior when reporting abou...
How mammalian sex chromosomes acquired their peculiar gene content

It has become increasingly evident that gene content of the sex chromosomes is markedly different from that of the autosomes. Both sex chromosomes appear enriched for genes related to sexual differentiation and reproduction; but curiously, the human X chromosome also seems to bear a preponderance of genes linked to brain and muscle functions. In this review, we will synthesize several evolutionary theories that may account for this nonrandom assortment of genes on the sex chromosomes, including 1) asexual degeneration, 2) sexual antagonism, 3) constant selection, and 4) hemizygous exposure. Additionally, we will speculate on how the evolution of sex-chromosome gene content might have impacted on the phenotypic evolution of mammals and particularly humans. Our discussion will focus on the mammalian sex chromosomes, but will cross reference other species where appropriate.
Transition-state affinity chromatography of trypsin-like proteinases with dipeptidyl argininal ligands

Dipeptidyl argininal (arginine aldehyde) affinity resins of general formula R-(X-Y-argininal) (where R = resin matrix and X, Y = amino acids of varied structure) are synthesized in a solid-phase procedure in which the dipeptide (-X-Y-) is first attached to the resin, followed by the joining of the Y amino acid to argininal semicarbazone, and decomposition of the semicarbazone in a methanol/acetic acid/formaldehyde reagent. An R-(Gly-Gly-argininal) resin binds urokinase tightly, but does not bind thrombin. However, thrombin binds strongly to R-(Phe-Pro-argininal), whereas urokinase does not bind. Accordingly, the X-Y-argininal ligands selectively bind proteinases of identical primary binding site specificity to arginine, but different secondary site specificity in -X-Y-. The selectivity is due to an amplification of peptide binding specificity caused by the transition-state analog properties of the ligands. While the affinity constants between peptide aldehyde and proteinase approach those of antibody-antigen interactions, the elution with semicarbazide (aldehyde-trapping reagent) buffers easily remove tightly bound proteinases without proteinase inhibitors or denaturation. Conditions for the binding and elution of proteinases, methods of regeneration and other characteristics of the resins are described.
Autoinhibitory regulation of soluble adenylyl cyclase

Soluble adenylyl cyclase is an evolutionarily conserved bicarbonate sensor that plays a crucial role in cAMP dependent processes that occur during mammalian fertilization. sAC protein is expressed at the highest levels in male germ cells, and is found to occur as one of two known isoforms: a truncated protein (sACt) that consists almost exclusively of the two conserved catalytic domains (C1 and C2), and a full-length form (sACfl) that contains an additional noncatalytic C-terminal region. Several studies suggested sACt was more active than sACfl. We now demonstrate that the specific activity of sACt is at least 10-fold higher than the specific activity of sACfl. Using deletion analysis and a novel genetic screen to identify activating mutations, we uncovered an autoinhibitory region just C-terminal to the C2 domain. Kinetic analysis of purified recombinant sAC revealed this autoinhibitory domain functions to lower the enzyme’s Vmax without altering its affinity for substrate or regulation by any of the known modulators of sAC activity. Our results identify an additional regulatory mechanism specific to the sACfl isoform.
Developmental Delays at Arrival, Early Intervention Enrollment, and Adopted Chinese Girls’ Academic Performance and Internalizing Problems in Adolescence

ABSTRACTThe author investigated the extent of developmental delays in girls adopted from China, their subsequent early intervention (EI) enrollment, and how the delays and EI were related to their academic performance and internalizing problems in adolescence. The sample included 180 adolescent girls (M = 13.4 years, SD = 2.0 years) who were adopted at 3–23.5 months (M = 11.5 months, SD = 3.7 months). Data on the adopted Chinese girls’ delays at arrival and EI enrollment in physical therapy (PT) and speech–language therapy (SLT) were collected from the adoptive mothers at the Baseline; data on the adopted Chinese girls’ present academic performance and internalizing problems were collected from the adoptive mothers and adopted girls at Wave 4 six years later. Data analyses revealed that 55% of the adoptees had moderate-to-severe delays when first arrived at the adoptive homes. Motor delays significantly increased the odds for PT (odds ratio [OR] = 3.98, 95% CI [2.18, 7.82], p <.001) and SLT (OR = 2.36, 95...