cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Release of Acetaldehyde from β-Cyclodextrins Inhibits Postharvest Decay Fungi in Vitro

Many naturally occurring plant volatiles are known to have antifungal properties. However, they have limited use because they diffuse rapidly in air. In this in vitro study, acetaldehyde was chosen as a prototype volatile in order to study the controlled release of antifungal volatiles from cyclodextrins (CD). The major postharvest pathogens Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, and Colletotrichum acutatum were exposed to the pure volatile for 7 days at 23 degrees C. Acetaldehyde was most effective against A. alternata, followed by C. acutatum, and B. cinerea, with 0.12, 0.56, and 1.72 microL/L in air being required to inhibit fungal growth, respectively, according to the bioassay developed. Second, the effectiveness of the new beta-CD-acetaldehyde release system was evaluated against A. alternata for 7 days at 23 degrees C. Sufficient volatile was released from 0.7 g of beta-CD-acetaldehyde to prevent fungal growth in vitro.
Clinical Use of Monoclonal Antibody HuJ591 Therapy: Targeting Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen

ABSTRACTPurpose: Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a cell surface peptidase highly expressed by malignant prostate epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells of numerous solid tumor malignancies but not normal vascular endothelium in benign tissues or neoplastic epithelial cells of nonprostate malignancies. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) J591 recognizes the extracellular domain of PSMA. The current status of clinical trials using mAb J591 is reviewed.Material and Methods: The mouse antibody was deimmunized by replacing murine immunoglobulin sequences with human immunoglobulin sequences, resulting in a nonimmunogenic antibody HuJ591. Results of completed and ongoing phase 1 and 2 clinical trials using mAb J591 are presented.Results: A phase I clinical trial with murine J591 indicated that it possesses high affinity for prostate cancer metastases in bone and soft tissue. A phase I clinical trial showed that HuJ591 was well tolerated, demonstrated excellent targeting to disseminated prostate cance...
Wide-band channel for emergency communication

A single wideband channel could be assigned to all short range emergency communication systems, resulting in better service and better spectrum utilization. Many independent VHF or UHF mobile users or military nets could use this one channel at random without any form of centralized control or synchronization, and each could transmit different simultaneous emergency messages without significant mutual interference. In reviewing wideband modulation and addressing (coding) techniques, it is shown that Delta modulation and discrete frequency coding is best suitable for this application.
Mutagenesis and analysis of genetic mutations in the GC-rich KISS1 receptor sequence identified in humans with reproductive disorders

The kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R) is a G protein-coupled receptor recognized as the trigger of puberty and a regulator of reproductive competence in adulthood (1,2,3). Inactivating mutations in KISS1R identified in patients have been associated with iodiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) (1,2) and precocious puberty (4). Functional studies of these mutants are crucial for our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the regulation of reproduction by this receptor as well as those shaping the disease outcomes, which result from abnormal KISS1R signaling and function. However, the highly GC-rich sequence of the KISS1R gene makes it rather difficult to introduce mutations or amplify the gene encoding this receptor by PCR. Here we describe a method to introduce mutations of interest into this highly GC-rich sequence that has been used successfully to generate over a dozen KISS1R mutants in our laboratory. We have optimized the PCR conditions to facilitate the amplification of a range of KISS1R mutants that include substitutions, deletions or insertions in the KISS1R sequence. The addition of a PCR enhancer solution, as well as of a small percentage of DMSO were especially helpful to improve amplification. This optimized procedure may be useful for other GC-rich templates as well. The expression vector encoding the KISS1R is been used to characterize signaling and function of this receptor in order to understand how mutations may change KISS1R function and lead to the associated reproductive phenotypes. Accordingly, potential applications of KISS1R mutants generated by site-directed mutagenesis can be illustrated by many studies (1,4,5,6,7,8). As an example, the gain-of-function mutation in the KISS1R (Arg386Pro), which is associated with precocious puberty, has been shown to prolong responsiveness of the receptor to ligand stimulation (4) as well as to alter the rate of degradation of KISS1R (9). Interestingly, our studies indicate that KISS1R is degraded by the proteasome, as opposed to the classic lysosomal degradation described for most G protein-coupled receptors (9). In the example presented here, degradation of the KISS1R is investigated in Human Embryonic Kidney Cells (HEK-293) transiently expressing Myc-tagged KISS1R (MycKISS1R) and treated with proteasome or lysosome inhibitors. Cell lysates are immunoprecipitated using an agarose-conjugated anti-myc antibody followed by western blot analysis. Detection and quantification of MycKISS1R on blots is performed using the LI-COR Odyssey Infrared System. This approach may be useful in the study of the degradation of other proteins of interest as well.
Effects of Phenylbutazone, Tolbutamide, and Clofibric Acid on Binding of Racemic Warfarin and Its Enantiomers to Human Serum Albumin

The effect of phenylbutazone, tolbutamide, and clofibric acid on the binding of racemic warfarin and its enantiomers to human serum albumin was studied by equilibrium dialysis. Warfarin had one primary and two secondary binding sites on the albumin molecule. No difference in binding was detected at the primary binding site; the extent of R(+)-isomer binding at the secondary binding sites was 2.5 times greater than the corresponding S(−)-isomer binding. Phenylbutazone and warfarin appear to compete for the same primary binding site on the albumin molecule. Tolbutamide interferes with the binding of warfarin enantiomers at their secondary sites. Clofibric acid has a less pronounced effect on warfarin binding than does phenylbutazone or tolbutamide.
Ischemic heart disease secondary to amyloidosis of intramyocardial arteries.

Abstract Among 108 patients with cardiac amyloidosis studied at autopsy between 1889 and 1977 there were 5 (4.6 percent) with severe occlusive amyloid deposits in intramyocardial arteries. The hearts of all five patients showed focal subendocardial ischemic injury, and the vessels supplying these areas had either complete or near complete luminal obliteration by amyloid. Clinically, four patients had congestive heart failure; one of these patients also had arrhythmias and one had angina pectoris. Neither the clinical nor the pathologic features of ischemic heart disease could be attributed to disease of the epicardial coronary arteries. Amyloidosis of the intramyocardial arteries appears to be capable of producing localized areas of ischemic necrosis and may produce intractable congestive heart failure due to multiple areas of ischemic injury.
Robustly stable active structural control

Due to various model uncertainties, most existing control strategies may lead to arbitrarily small stability margins. This paper presents an H2/H2 nested control synthesis which combines advantages of the classical H2 and H2-approaches, and guarantees robust stability. Special H2-maximum and H2-ultimate system norms are introduced by generalizing the concept of the standard L1, H2 and H2 norms. These norms reduce the conservatism of the control design specifications while retaining all the benefits of the standard H2-norm. Both stochastic and deterministic interpretations are addressed. The effectiveness of the new method is illustrated by a numerical example.
Two Contrasting Approaches to Ecological Research

The faculty responder to the students (Crowl 2009) heartily approved this approach: “All scientific advances come from an understanding of the conceptual underpinnings, the literature, and knowledge currently amassed, followed by asking the critical questions necessary to fill the knowledge gaps.” Indeed, he went further: “Perhaps the most important insight...is the nuance that guiding questions come before research design and implementation. I’ve seen many, many instances of researchers searching for theoretical linkages to interesting and important data sets after the data have been collected. Rarely, if ever, would such an approach result in major theoretical breakthroughs.”
On the role of tracking on Eulerian-Lagrangian solutions of the transport equation

We investigate the effect of tracking errors on the accuracy and stability of Eulerian-Lagrangian methods (ELMS) for the solution of the transport equation. A combination of formal analysis and numerical experimentation demonstrates that the effect is severe. Even moderate tracking errors substantially affect the preservation of the zeroth, first and second moments of concentration (mass, phase and diffusion) and may lead to the instability of otherwise stable and very accurate ELMs. The use of accurate tracking algorithms is strongly recommended for Eulerian-Lagrangian simulations involving complex flows.
Data quality strategies in cohort studies: lessons from a study on delirium in nursing home elders.

Data quality has a direct impact on reliability and validity, however, the procedures are usually briefly summarized in the methods section of reports. Sustaining data quality and integrity over time can pose serious challenges and prompted the development of a Data Quality Program based on Donabedian’s quality framework. Although many are familiar with the structure, process, and outcome components in health care quality, application to a research project may be unfamiliar. This article summarizes the data quality program for a cohort study of nursing home elders with delirium by providing an “insider’s view” of the procedures and protocols followed over several years.
Programming graphics processors functionally

Graphics cards for personal computers have recently undergone a radical transformation from fixed-function graphics pipelines to multi-processor, programmable architectures. Multi-processor architectures are clearly advantageous for graphics for the simple reason that graphics computations are naturally concurrent, mapping well to stateless stream processing. They therefore parallelize easily and need no random access to memory with its problematic latencies.This paper presents Vertigo, a purely functional, Haskell-embedded language for 3D graphics and an optimizing compiler that generates graphics processor code. The language integrates procedural surface modeling, shading, and texture generation, and the compiler exploits the unusual processor architecture. The shading sub-language is based on a simple and precise semantic model, in contrast to previous shading languages. Geometry and textures are also defined via a very simple denotational semantics. The formal semantics yields not only programs that are easy to understand and reason about, but also very efficient implementation, thanks to a compiler based on partial evaluation and symbolic optimization, much in the style of Pan [2].Haskell's overloading facility is extremely useful throughout Vertigo. For instance, math operators are used not just for floating point numbers, but also expressions (for differentiation and compilation), tuples, and functions. Typically, these overloadings cascade, as in the case of surfaces, which may be combined via math operators, though they are really functions over tuples of expressions on floating point numbers. Shaders may be composed with the same notational convenience. Functional dependencies are exploited for vector spaces, cross products, and derivatives.
The social behavior of a group of baboons ( Papio anubis ) under artificial crowding

A harem troop of baboons was crowded by periodically moving one wall of their cage until available space had been reduced to 50%. Social disintegration, as well as individual pathology, was the end result. The behavioral pathology began first with infants and juveniles, and then with the females lowest in dominance.
A rate-splitting approach to the Gaussian multiple-access channel

It is shown that any point in the capacity region of a Gaussian multiple-access channel is achievable by single-user coding without requiring synchronization among users, provided that each user "splits" data and signal into two parts. Based on this result, a new multiple-access technique called rate-splitting multiple accessing (RSMA) is proposed. RSMA is a code-division multiple-access scheme for the M-user Gaussian multiple-access channel for which the effort of finding the codes for the M users, of encoding, and of decoding is that of at most 2M-1 independent point-to-point Gaussian channels. The effects of bursty sources, multipath fading, and inter-cell interference are discussed and directions for further research are indicated.
Three creatures named 'forward model'

It has recently been suggested that the nervous system employs forward models for the purpose of motor control. The evidence for this hypothetical computational structure comes from various sources, theoretical and experimental. The purpose of this commentary is to distinguish between three different structures that are used to support the forward model hypothesis: (1) output predictor, (2) state estimator, and (3) distal teacher. It is possible that the brain employs all these structures for control. However, the general term forward model could be misleading since evidence for one structure could be misinterpreted as supporting evidence for the other structures.
Leaky Modes On Waveguides For Integrated Optics

It is not generally known that many modes on certain waveguides used for integrated optics applications are leaky rather than purely bound. Such leakage can result in unwanted cross talk, or form the basis for new types of components. After a brief review of waveguides for integrated optics, the physical mechanism for leakage is described, and it is shown wny the published approximate theories miss such leakage altogether. A summary of which modes leak and which do not, and several numerical examples are presented.
Vapor-liquid equilibria in the nitrogen + carbon dioxide + ethane system

Abstract Vapor-liquid equilibria (VLE) for the binary systems nitrogen + carbon dioxide, nitrogen + ethane, and carbon dioxide + ethane were measured at 220 K and 270 K. Measurements were also made on the carbon dioxide + ethane system at six other temperatures from 207 to 263.15 K. The ternary system was studied at 220 K and 0.803, 4.000, and 9.000 MPa and at 270 K and 3.450, 6.000, 8.400, 9.000, and 9.600 MPa. The data were modeled with both the Peng-Robinson (1976) and Soave-Redlich-Kwong (1972) equations of state. Both equations fit the data well at low pressures but failed near the critical regions of the binary and ternary systems.
THERMAL ACCUMULATIONS, DIAPAUSE, AND OVIPOSITION IN A CONIFER-INHABITING PREDATOR, CHRYSOPA HARRISII (NEUROPTERA)

The adults of Chrysopa harrisii Fitch, which are not predaceous, overwinter in a state of reproductive diapause. During both the dormant and the reproductive periods they remain dark green, a colour apparently adapted to the species’ occurrence on conifers. Two to three generations per season are possible in the Ithaca, N.Y., area.At 75°F, which is the optimum constant temperature for development and survival, the time from oviposition to adult eclosion is 29 days. Theoretical thresholds for development of all stages are relatively high, between 50° and 57°F, and development from egg to adult requires 566 heat degree days.In the laboratory, the critical photoperiod for diapause induction is between LD 13:11 and LD 14:10; short days maintain diapause for approximately 45 days (at 75°F); long days terminate diapause. Both newly-emerged and reproductively-active adults are extremely sensitive to diapause-inducing photoperiods. In the field, all adults emerging on 5 September or later enter diapause and it appears that diapause induction in the Ithaca population begins in the latter part of August. Short days maintain diapause until the end of December, and neither long days, increasing day lengths, nor low temperatures play a role in hastening diapause termination in nature.In timing its vernal reproduction, C. harrisii has evolved a strategy that combines an early-ending diapause with an apparently relatively high temperature threshold for post-diapause development. Therefore, although diapause ends around the winter solstice, heat accumulation is prevented until much later, when temperatures are relatively high.
Using POGIL activities in computer science classes (abstract only)

POGIL activities are carefully designed to guide students to discover and explore concepts while encouraging students to practice process skills (e.g., team work, leadership and problem solving). Many college instructors have written POGIL activities for CS 1, CS 2, Software Engineering and other upper division CS classes (http://www.cspogil.org). High school teachers are also writing POGIL activities for the AP Principles course. This BOF is an opportunity for educators to share POGIL activities and ideas for improving group dynamics and encouraging reflection. We welcome everyone interested in learning more about POGIL and will provide information on regional POGIL workshops.
Visual recovery following regeneration of the optic nerve through the oculomotor nerve root in Xenopus.

Abstract Optic nerves were cut and deflected into the proximal portions of the oculomotor or trigeminal nerve in Xenopus tadpoles. No visual restoration occurred when the optic fibers entered the central nervous system through the trigeminal root, but responses to visual stimuli were restored in 2 to 3 weeks following regeneration through the oculomotor root. In several cases reversed optokinetic responses indicated ipsilateral retinotectal projections which were later confirmed by histological studies. Optic fibers decussated twice to reach the ipsilateral tectal lobes, once at the level of entry in the oculomotor root and again in the region of the optic chiasm, suggesting that they are initially being guided toward, or are seeking their normal pathways rather than their final destinations.
Effect of gravity orientation on the thermal performance of Stirling-type pulse tube cryocoolers

The effect of angular orientation on the off-state conduction of pulse tube cryocoolers has been previously explored, as has the effect of orientation on the thermal performance of low-frequency (∼2 Hz) GM-style pulse tube refrigerators. The significant effects that have been found are well explained by the presence of free convection that builds up in the hollow pulse tube when the hot end of the pulse tube is not higher than the cold end. This paper extends the investigation of angular orientation effects to the refrigeration performance of high frequency (∼40 Hz) Stirling-type pulse tube cryocoolers typical of those used in long-life space applications. Strong orientation effects on the performance of such cryocoolers have recently been observed during system-level testing of both linear and U-tube type pulse tubes. To quantify the angular dependency effects, data have been gathered on both U-tube and linear type pulse tubes of two different manufacturers as a function of orientation angle, cold-tip temperature, and compressor stroke.
Taking the wrong drugs: the role of substance abuse and medication noncompliance in violence among severely mentally ill individuals.

Increasing numbers of severely mentally ill individuals are being treated in nonhospital, community-based settings and public concern about potential violence by these individuals has increased, often as a result of tragic, albeit uncommon events. The present study examines potential predictors of serious violence among persons with severe mental illness (SMI), with a specific focus on the joint effect of substance abuse and medication noncompliance. Subjects in the study are involuntarily admitted inpatients with SMI awaiting a period of court-ordered outpatient treatment, termed “involuntary outpatient commitment”. During enrollment in a longitudinal outcome study of the effectiveness of OPC, 331 subjects and, whenever feasible, family members or other informants were interviewed. In addition, complementary data were gathered by review of involuntary commitment records and hospital records. Data collection included sociodemographic characteristics, illness history, clinical status, medication adherence, substance abuse and violent behavior during the 4 months preceding hospitalization. Descriptive and multivariable logistic regression procedures were used to examine the association between serious violent acts and a number of personal, social, and clinical characteristics. The combination of medication noncompliance and substance abuse was a significant predictor of serious violent acts in the community. Individuals who had problems with both alcohol and illicit drug abuse appear to be at greatest risk for violence. These results suggest that reducing violence risk among persons with SMI requires an aggressive approach to improving medication adherence in the context of integrated mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Non-separating cycles and discrete Jordan curves

Abstract We study induced non-separating cycles in 2-connected and 3-connected graphs. As consequences, two conjectures of Vince and Little on discrete Jordan curves are solved, in particular, they are true for simple 2-connected graphs with minimum degree at least six (this is best possible). We also disprove a conjecture of Thomassen and Toft about the structure of 2-connected graphs in which all induced cycles are separating.
Pediatric brain death determination.

Clinical guidelines for the determination of brain death in children were first published in 1987. These guidelines were revised in 2011 under the auspices of the Society of Critical Care Medicine, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Child Neurology Society, and provide the minimum standards that must be satisfied before brain death can be declared in infants and children. After achieving physiologic stability and exclusion of confounders, two examinations including apnea testing separated by an observation period (24 hours for term newborns up to 30 days of age, and 12 hours for infants and children from 31 days up to 18 years) are required to establish brain death. Apnea testing should demonstrate a final arterial PaCO2 20 mm Hg above the baseline and ≥ 60 mm Hg with no respiratory effort during the testing period. Ancillary studies (electroencephalogram and radionuclide cerebral blood flow) are not required to establish brain death and are not a substitute for the neurologic examination. The committee concluded that ancillary studies may be used (1) when components of the examination or apnea testing cannot be completed, (2) if uncertainty about components of the neurologic examination exists, (3) if a medication effect may be present, or (4) to reduce the interexamination observation period. When ancillary studies are used, a second clinical examination and apnea test should still be performed and components that can be completed must remain consistent with brain death.
Applications of Biomechanics Aiding in the Diagnosis of Child Abuse

Injury biomechanics is the field of study focusing on the biomechanical behavior of the human body under injury-producing conditions. One of the unique challenges faced by pediatric emergency medicine clinicians is distinguishing between inflicted and noninflicted injuries in children. Biomechanics is one tool that can aid in determining the compatibility between a child's injury and the reported mechanism of injury. An overview and examples of various biomechanical approaches used to distinguish between inflicted and noninflicted injuries in children are described.
Non-equilibrium thermodynamics of interfacial systems

Abstract The theory of non-equilibrium thermodynamics is applied to a multi-component system containing an interface using a method developed by Bedeaux, Albano, and Mazur. A singular mass density is allowed at the interface as well as singular densities of energy and entropy. All currents are also allowed to be singular at the interface. The conservation laws and the Gibbs relation for the entropy are used to derive the entropy production at the surface. Linear laws relating the fluxes and thermodynamic forces are presented. The theory is then applied to a two component system where one of the phases is a liquid and the other a low density gas and the boundary conditions at the free surface of the liquid derived. The boundary conditions include the conditions used by Levich in his theory of the damping of waves by surface-active substances, but include other effects as well.
Electron microscopy of surfaces and catalysts

Abstract These remarks serve to introduce the session concerned with electron microscopy of surfaces and catalysts. Since each speaker will address the state-of-the-art in these areas, I will provide here some historical background as a connection between the talks.
Information seeking and intentions to have genetic testing for hereditary cancers in rural and Appalachian Kentuckians.

Context: Research is limited regarding the potential of genetic testing for cancer risk in rural Appalachia. Purpose: This study examined perceptions of genetic testing in a population sample of Kentuckians, with a focus on Appalachian and rural differences. The goals were to examine cultural and psychosocial factors that may predict intentions to test for hereditary cancer, need for help with information seeking for decision making about genetic testing for hereditary cancer, and amount of help needed with information seeking for decision making about genetic testing for hereditary cancer in this population. Methods: Analysis of data from a general social survey of adults using random-digit dialing in Kentucky (N = 882). Findings: An ordinal regression found that younger age, having a family history of cancer, and greater worry predicted greater intentions to seek genetic testing. A logistic regression found that having more education, excellent subjective knowledge of genetics, and less worry about cancer predicted less need for help in seeking information about testing. An ordinal regression found that less subjective knowledge of genetics and greater worry predicted greater amount of help needed. Conclusions: Additional counseling to explain limitations of genetic testing may be needed. Further, those with less knowledge about genetics and more worry about hereditary cancer may have greater need for help with information seeking for decision making, a need that may be further exacerbated by the lack of medical professionals, particularly genetic counselors, who may provide information about genetic testing in rural, Appalachian Kentucky.
Lack of age differences in context-illness associations in the long-delay taste-aversion conditioning of rats.

Summay.-To evaluate whether previously observed age diFferences in long-delay taste aversion were due to age-related differences in the shared association of contextual cues and CS with the US, weahg, young-adult, and old-adult rats were given a NaCl or LiCl US immediately after or a LiCl US 3 hr. after a saccharin CS presentation in a black or white context. They were then given a context-preference test in a chamber which was half black and half white. Analysis showed rats, irrespective of age or conditioning context, spent a significantly smaller percentage of time on the white side than on the black side of the test chamber. These results suggest that age daerences in long-delay taste-aversion conditioning are not due to age-related ddferences in the shared association of contextual cues and CS with the US. Research on long-delay taste-aversion conditioning in rats of different ages has shown that old-adult rats, but not weanling and young-adult rats, develop a strong aversion to a novel-flavor CS paired with a LiCl US when the US has been delayed 3 hr. after CS presentation (5). Although it has been shown that old-adult rats learn safetv or irrelevance less well than weanhg and young-adult rats (4), it has also been found that age differences in learned safety cannot account for this apparently superior associative memory capabhty of aged rats (7). Further, it has been shown that this apparently superior associative memory capab~tity of old-adult rats is not due to age dfferences in the efficacy of LiCl (6) or in relative CS novelty (1). - It is possible that the apparently superior long-delay taste aversion con
Hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, and acidosis after intentional theophylline overdose

Abstract Three cases of intentional theophylline overdose in adult patients are described. Among these, hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, and acidosis were found, and markedly elevated initial serum theophylline concentrations (106, 76.2, and 41.4 μg/ml) were measured. All patients recovered completely with conservative management. The observed biochemical abnormalities rapidly resolved during maintenance fluid therapy and modest potassium supplementation. In addition, seizures, ventricular arrhythmias, and other serious toxic effects were notably absent.
Mining Approximate Order Preserving Clusters in the Presence of Noise

Subspace clustering has attracted great attention due to its capability of finding salient patterns in high dimensional data. Order preserving subspace clusters have been proven to be important in high throughput gene expression analysis, since functionally related genes are often co-expressed under a set of experimental conditions. Such co-expression patterns can be represented by consistent orderings of attributes. Existing order preserving cluster models require all objects in a cluster have identical attribute order without deviation. However, real data are noisy due to measurement technology limitation and experimental variability which prohibits these strict models from revealing true clusters corrupted by noise. In this paper, we study the problem of revealing the order preserving clusters in the presence of noise. We propose a noise-tolerant model called approximate order preserving cluster (AOPC). Instead of requiring all objects in a cluster have identical attribute order, we require that (1) at least a certain fraction of the objects have identical attribute order; (2) other objects in the cluster may deviate from the consensus order by up to a certain fraction of attributes. We also propose an algorithm to mine AOPC. Experiments on gene expression data demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of our algorithm.
Nonlinear Analysis of the Poisson's Ratio of Negative Poisson's Ratio Foams

This article contains an analytic study of Poisson's ratio of re-entrant foam materials with negative Poisson's ratio. These materials get fatter when stretched and thinner when compressed. The Poisson effect is so fundamentally important to the properties of a material that a large change in the value of the ratio will have significant effects on the material's mechanical performance. Isotropic foam structures with negative Poisson's ratio have been fabricated through a permanent volumetric transformation. The cells were converted from the convex polyhedral shape of conventional foam cells to a concave or "reentrant" shape. Mechanical behavior of a re-entrant open cell foam material will differ from that of a conventional foam in ways not addressed by existing theoretical treatment. Poisson's ratio as a function of strain is obtained by modeling the three-dimensional unit cell as an idealized polyhedron unit cell. Poisson's ratio is predicted to approach the isotropic limit of −1 with increasing permanen...
Postoperative atelectasis after one-lung ventilation with the Univent tube in a child.

Abstract Comments by Gregory M. Janelle* This case describes a postoperative complication after single-lung ventilation in a 10-year-old patient scheduled for scoliosis repair. This patient underwent an anterior thoracoscopic excision of several vertebral discs followed by a posterior double-rod fixation of her spine. The postoperative course was complicated by complete atelectasis of the patient's right lung for 5 days. Methods of single-lung ventilation, advantages and disadvantages of the Univent® tube versus the double-lumen tube, and the possible mechanisms leading to postoperative atelectasis in this child are discussed.
Structural Mechanism for the Regulation of HCN Ion Channels by the Accessory Protein TRIP8b

Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) ion channels underlie the cationic Ih current present in many neurons. The direct binding of cyclic AMP to HCN channels increases the rate and extent of channel opening and results in a depolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of activation. TRIP8b is an accessory protein that regulates the cell surface expression and dendritic localization of HCN channels and reduces the cyclic nucleotide dependence of these channels. Here, we use electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) to show that TRIP8b binds to the apo state of the cyclic nucleotide binding domain (CNBD) of HCN2 channels without changing the overall domain structure. With EPR and nuclear magnetic resonance, we locate TRIP8b relative to the HCN channel and identify the binding interface on the CNBD. These data provide a structural framework for understanding how TRIP8b regulates the cyclic nucleotide dependence of HCN channels.
A randomized trial of ecadotril versus placebo in patients with mild to moderate heart failure: the U.S. ecadotril pilot safety study.

Abstract Objective To determine the short-term safety and tolerability of the addition of ecadotril to conventional therapy in patients with mild to moderate heart failure. Methods Fifty ambulatory patients, 18 to 75 years of age, with mild to moderate heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35%, taking stable doses of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, diuretics, and optionally digoxin were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-escalation study of ecadotril 50 to 400 mg twice daily versus conventional therapy alone. Results: No increases in deaths, serious adverse events, or dropouts from adverse events were observed for the ecadotril group compared with placebo. The serum measures of neurohormonal activation were highly variable. Changes in signs and symptoms of heart failure, New York Heart Association class, and patient self-assessment of symptoms were not observed with ecadotril therapy; however, the study was not designed to detect differences in these parameters. Conclusion In this small pilot study, ecadotril in doses of 50 to 400 mg twice daily was generally well-tolerated and without severe short-term adverse effects in patients with mild to moderate heart failure. Evaluation of the clinical efficacy and long-term safety of ecadotril and other neutral endopeptidase inhibitors in patients with heart failure requires further study. (Am Heart J 1999;138:1140-8.)
Estimation of liquid fuel yields from biomass.

We have estimated sun-to-fuel yields for the cases when dedicated fuel crops are grown and harvested to produce liquid fuel. The stand-alone biomass to liquid fuel processes, that use biomass as the main source of energy, are estimated to produce one-and-one-half to three times less sun-to-fuel yield than the augmented processes. In an augmented process, solar energy from a fraction of the available land area is used to produce other forms of energy such as H2, heat etc., which are then used to increase biomass carbon recovery in the conversion process. However, even at the highest biomass growth rate of 6.25 kg/m2·y considered in this study, the much improved augmented processes are estimated to have sun-to-fuel yield of about 2%. We also propose a novel stand-alone H2Bioil-B process, where a portion of the biomass is gasified to provide H2 for the fast-hydropyrolysis/hydrodeoxygenation of the remaining biomass. This process is estimated to be able to produce 125−146 ethanol gallon equivalents (ege)/ton ...
Gene conversion and homologous recombination in murine B cells

Gene conversion has been found to be important in the diversification of antibody genes in chickens and in rabbits. In other species, however, it is not clear whether gene conversion plays any role in antibody diversity. Analysis of an H-chain antibody gene construct that was designed to optimize the detection of gene conversion events in transgenic mice has shown that sequence transfers that resemble gene conversion events can occur in murine B cells and are associated with somatic hypermutation. This raises the possibility that an error-prone gene conversion mechanism might play a role in murine somatic hypermutation.
Ubiquity symposium: What have we said about computation?: closing statement

The "computation" symposium presents the reflections of thinkers from many sectors of computing on the fundamental question in the background of everything we do as computing professionals. While many of us have too many immediate tasks to allow us time for our own deep reflection, we do appreciate when others have done this for us. Peter Freeman points out, by analogy, that as citizens of democracies we do not spend a lot of time reflecting on the question, "What is a democracy," but from time to time we find it helpful to see what philosophers and political scientists are saying about the context in which we act as citizens.
Computational complexity of parametric linear programming

We establish that in the worst case, the computational effort required for solving a parametric linear program is not bounded above by a polynomial in the size of the problem.
"Keeping cool": Anger management through group work.

How do young people deal with their feelings and anxieties? How can they be helped to explore their emotional states in a constructive way? In this article, and the next, the authors consider the use of group work as a means by which schools can provide the time and space to help young people learn how to cope with feelings such as disaffection, violence, bullying or isolation. In this article, Kedar Dwivedi and Arun Gupta describe their use of group work to promote emotional regulation, or self management, among a group of 15 teenage boys.
Central infusion of the melanocortin receptor antagonist agouti-related peptide (AgRP(83-132)) prevents cachexia-related symptoms induced by radiation and colon-26 tumors in mice

Cachexia is a clinical wasting syndrome that occurs in multiple disease states, and is associated with anorexia and a progressive loss of body fat and lean mass. The development of new therapeutics for this disorder is needed due to poor efficacy and multiple side effects of current therapies. The pivotal role played by the central melanocortin system in regulating body weight has made this an attractive target for novel cachexia therapies. The mixed melanocortin receptor antagonist AgRP is an endogenous peptide that induces hyperphagia. Here, we used AgRP(83-132) to investigate the ability of melanocortin antagonism to protect against clinical features of cachexia in two distinct animal models. In an acute model, food intake and body weight gain were reduced in mice exposed to radiation (300 RAD), and delivery of AgRP(83-132) into the lateral cerebral ventricle prevented these effects. In a chronic tumor cachexia model, adult mice were injected subcutaneously with a cell line derived from murine colon-26 adenocarcinoma. Typical of cachexia, tumor-bearing mice progressively reduced body weight and food intake, and gained significantly less muscle mass than controls. Administration of AgRP(83-132) into the lateral ventricles significantly increased body weight and food intake, and changes in muscle mass were similar to the tumor-free control mice. These findings support the idea that antagonism of the central melanocortin system can reduce the negative impact of cachexia and radiation therapy.
Unilateral uteroovarian relationship in pregnant cattle and role of uterine vein

Abstract The hypothesis of a unilateral uteroovarian relationship between location of embryos and maintenance of corpora lutea (CL) was tested in superovulated cattle. Ovulations were induced in both ovaries and a uterine horn was isolated subsequent to insemination to produce unilateral pregnancy. The mean weight of CL on day 24 was greater (P
Nonlinear properties of photochromic materials for use in optical devices

We discuss the means for writing and reading information in a volume optical memory induced by two-photon processes. Photochromic materials based on reversible transformation of spiropyran molecules and polyacene photodimers have been used in 3D writing and reading with some success. The spectroscopic and physical properties of these materials are presented.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
TH‐A‐214‐08: Change in X‐Ray CT Spectra inside of Dosimetry Phantoms: Beam Hardening or Beam Softening?

Purpose: To account for the energy dependence of film‐ or solid state‐based dosimeters used in CT, they are often calibrated in air. However, they are used in a CTDI phantom, which may produce a significantly different spectrum due to scatter. The purpose of this study is to use Monte Carlo simulations to investigate the change in CT x‐ray energy spectra between exposures in air and in CTDI phantoms. Methods: The x‐ray fluence in air, and inside both 16 and 32 cm phantoms were estimated using Monte Carlo simulations. A Siemens Sensation 64 CTscanner using 24×1.2mm beam collimation, and a Toshiba Aquilion 64 CTscanner using 8×4mm beam collimation were simulated. In addition, simulations were performed using 2mm collimation for the Toshiba Aquilion 64. For all conditions, the spectra were estimated by tallying at within the phantom to estimate x‐ray fluence. Based on these spectra, the average energy and estimated Half Value Layer were obtained and compared. Results: For Sensation 64 scanner, the HVL decreased from 9.8 mm Al in air to 7.9 and 7.2 mm Al in center of head and body phantoms, respectively. For Aquilion 64 scanner the HVL decreased from 6.2 mm Al in air to 5.9 and 5.8 mm Al in center of head and body phantoms, respectively; however results also showed that the HVLs increased at 12:00 position (to 6.4 and 6.8 mm Al). For Aquilion scanner at narrow collimation setting, the HVLs increased at all positions. Conclusions: The spectra inside phantoms are nearly always different from that of air — under some conditions it is harder and under others it is softer. These differences in spectra should be taken into account when calibrating dosimeters that have energy dependence.
2:1 tracking of sinus rhythm in a patient with a dual-chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillator: what is the mechanism?

A 49-year-old woman with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy received a dual-chamber pacemaker in 1995. It resulted in signi cant reduction in the intraventricular pressure gradient and signi cant improvement in symptoms. She developed ventricular tachycardia, and the pacemaker was replaced with a dual-chamber implantable cardioverter de brillator (ICD). The ventricular pacing lead was extracted, and the preexistent atrial lead (P wave: 3 mV) and a new active- xation, “integrated” bipolar de brillation lead (Sprint SVC 6945; Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) were connected to a GEM DR 7271 (Medtronic) generator. Programming was as follows: pacing mode DDD, lower rate 60 beats/min, upper rate 120 beats/min, sensed AV delay 100 msec, ventricular output 4 V at 0.4 msec, maximum atrial sensing 0.3 mV, maximum ventricular sensitivity 0.3 mV, postventricular atrial refractory period (PVARP) 310 msec, postpace ventricular blanking 240 msec, premature ventricular complex (PVC) response ON. Immediately after lead connection, an unusual pattern of pacemaker alternans was seen (Fig. 1). Only every other sinus beat was tracked as expected. The other beats presented intrinsic conduction with a PR interval longer than the programmed AV delay. What is the mechanism for the alternans?
Air pollution: Why is public perception so different from reality?

According to the Sierra Club ‘‘Smog is out of control in almost all of our major cities’’ [1]. The Sierra Club wrote these words in November 2001, after the nation had achieved its two lowest years on record for ozone and fine particulates (PM2.5). In 2002, near the end of a fourth consecutive record-low year for PM2.5, the Public Interest Research Group published Darkening Skies, which claimed PM2.5 was increasing [2]. In April 2004, after exceedances of the federal 1-h and 8-h ozone standards had declined, respectively, 95 and 65% since the 1970s, the Washington Post lamented ‘‘Ozone pollution has declined slightly over the past 30 years’’ (emphasis added) [3]. Despite spectacular improvements in automobile emissions during the last few decades, a recent USA Today article claimed Americans now drive ‘‘vehicles that give off more pollution than the cars they drove in the ’80s’’ [4]. Even health scientists often sensationalize air pollution information. Reporting on a large California cohort study in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers from the University of Southern California found that high ozone had no effect on children’s lung development and that even PM2.5 at twice the level of the federal annual standard was associated with only a 1 to 2% decline in average lung capacity [5]. Nevertheless, USC’s press release on the study claimed ‘‘Teens in Smoggy Areas at High Risk for Starting Adulthood with Serious Lung Deficits,’’ and this is how newspapers covered the story [6]. These are not isolated examples, but are indicative of a widespread pattern of misrepresentation of air pollution levels, trends, and health risks. As a result, although air pollution has been declining for decades and continues to set new record lows, large majorities of Americans believe air pollution has stayed the same or increased, will worsen in the future, and is still a serious and widespread health threat [7–10]. The result is unwarranted fear of current, historically low air pollution levels and unwarranted pessimism about the likelihood of continued air quality improvements.
Scope-of-practice regulation: Physician control and the wages of non-physician health-care professionals

We analyze the impact of licensing statutes that limit physician control over non-physician health-care providers. Contrary to the standard “capture” theory of regulation, we find that physical therapists have devoted considerable effort to obtain passage of laws that ultimately result in lower wages. This seemingly perverse result is robust across different data sets and various specifications. There is limited evidence to suggest that some physical therapists who treat patients without a physician's referral benefit at the expense of other therapists. However, it seems that non-monetary rewards associated with professional independence are the primary benefit to therapists from elimination of physician control.