cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular dynamics study of the behavior of selected nanoscale building blocks in a gel-phase lipid bilayer.

The cellular membrane functions as a regulating barrier between the intracellular and extracellular regions. For a molecule to reach the interior of the cell from the extracellular fluid, it must diffuse across the membrane, via either active or passive transport. The rigid structure of lipid bilayers, which are a key component of cellular membranes, prohibit simple diffusion of most particles, while vital nutrients are transported to the interior by specific mechanisms, such as ion channels and transport proteins. Although the cellular membrane provides the cell with protection against unwanted toxins that may be in the extracellular medium, some foreign particles can reach the interior of the cell, resulting in irregularities in cellular function. This behavior is particularly noted for permeants with compact molecular structure, suggesting that common nanoscale building blocks, such as fullerenes, may enter into the interior of a cell. To gauge the propensity for such particles to cross the membrane, w...
Inhibition of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase by ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate epimerization and degradation products

Abstract Xylulose-1,5-bisphosphate in preparations of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (ribulose-P2) arises from non-enzymic epimerization and inhibits the enzyme. Another inhibitor, a diketo degradation product from ribulose-P2, is also present. Both compounds simulate the substrate inhibition of ribulose-P2 carboxylase/oxygenase previously reported for ribulose-P2. Freshly prepared ribulose-P2 had little inhibitory activity. The instability of ribulose-P2 may be one reason for a high level of ribulose-P2 carboxylase in chloroplasts where the molarity of active sites exceeds that of ribulose-P2. Because the KD of the enzyme/substrate complex is ≤1 μM, all ribulose-P2 generated in situ may be stored as this complex to prevent decomposition.
Unimodal sequences and quantum and mock modular forms

We show that the rank generating function U(t; q) for strongly unimodal sequences lies at the interface of quantum modular forms and mock modular forms. We use U(-1; q) to obtain a quantum modular form which is “dual” to the quantum form Zagier constructed from Kontsevich’s “strange” function F(q). As a result, we obtain a new representation for a certain generating function for L-values. The series U(i; q) = U(-i; q) is a mock modular form, and we use this fact to obtain new congruences for certain enumerative functions.
The roles of individual oxidants in secondary organic aerosol formation from Δ3-carene: 1. gas-phase chemical mechanism

Abstract Oxidation of certain gas-phase organic species results in secondary products of volatility that is sufficiently low that they partition between the gas and aerosol phases. The fraction that partitions to the aerosol phase is known as secondary organic aerosol (SOA). The present paper reviews the relevant chemistry and describes the development of a chemical mechanism that consists of the gas-phase reactions of Δ3-carene and its products, including the formation of individual organic oxidation products that are capable of forming SOA. The mechanism also incorporates ozone formation chemistry and other relevant inorganic reactions. The new mechanism differentiates specific oxidation products according to both molecular structure and routes of formation. The concentrations of oxidation products (termed cross-products) that are formed in pathways involving two or more oxidants (ozone, the oxygen atom, and the hydroxyl and nitrate radicals) are accurately accounted in this way. The mechanism is evaluated in a zero-dimensional model by simulating gas-phase concentrations of Δ3-carene, oxides of nitrogen, and ozone from ozonolysis, nitrate radical, and photooxidation chamber experiments in which Δ3-carene was oxidized. Simulation results indicate that the main characteristics of the chemistry are adequately described by the mechanism. Part 2 of this series of papers develops a gas-particle partitioning model and presents simulations of SOA formation in single oxidant (e.g., ozonolysis and nitrate radical) and photooxidation experiments. Part 2 examines in detail the role of individual oxidants in consumption of the parent organic, creation of cross-products, and formation of SOA.
Mercury sensitivity measurements in Southern Magnolia wood using nuclear microprobe PIXE

Abstract Thick-target PIXE has been extensively used to determine trace element concentrations in tree rings. However, the concentrations of mercury and other heavy metal elements are commonly less than one part-per-million (ppm), which are below the typical sensitivity limits for traditional PIXE. In this research, a Southern Magnolia (magnolia grandiflora) tree sample with a known concentration of mercury was PIXE analyzed using a 2 MeV proton microbeam with a 100×100 μm 2 scan area. A second analysis was completed using a stationary macrobeam of 3 MeV protons with a cross-sectional area of 1×1 mm 2 . The minimum detection limit for mercury in Southern Magnolia wood was found to be approximately 1 ppm, which was based on X-ray yield, sample geometry, and detector efficiency.
Inactivation of Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua in apple and carrot juices using high pressure homogenization and nisin.

Abstract High pressure homogenization has been of growing interest as a nonthermal technology for the inactivation of microorganisms in fruit and vegetable juices. Cells of Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua, used as surrogates for foodborne pathogens, were inoculated into apple or carrot juice (~ 7 log10 CFU/ml) containing 0 or 10 IU/ml nisin and subjected to 350 to 0 MPa high pressure homogenization. At 50 MPa homogenization pressure intervals, juice samples were collected, immediately cooled to 5 log reduction of cells was achieved following exposure to pressures in excess > 250 MPa. In contrast, little inactivation was observed for L. innocua with pressure
WE-E-213A-02: Practical Aspects of Cyberknife Small Field Dosimetry

Small field dosimetry for Cyberknife is the most challenging aspects of machine commissioning and annual QA. Accurate reference dosimetry, relative output factors, TPR and OCR data form the baseline for accurate dose delivery. This presentation will give practical guidance on ways to achieve an accurate dosimetricmeasurement in a time‐efficient way. First, a new reference dosimetry concept based on a recent publication by the IAEA Working group on “Small Field Dosimetry” will be introduced. This new concept explains how to approach reference dosimetry for radiation therapy machines which do not have a 10 cm × 10 cm field as required by TG51 or IAEA Report 398. Using an example, it will be explained how to calculate kQ for the 60 mm collimator. Suitable detectors for the reference dosimetry with the 60 mm collimator will be discussed. This will include a review of the measureddose dependency on chamber length for the non‐flattened field of Cyberknife based on recently published literature. A discussion on reference dosimetry for the IRIS collimator will conclude reference dosimetry. Second, relative output factor measurements, focusing on collimators ⩽ 10 mm, will be introduced. The importance of checking the detector for correct inverse‐square law will be shown with a clinical example. Suitable detectors for output measurements are different from detectors used for reference dosimetry. Special consideration will be given to IRIS collimator output factors and their dependency on the accuracy of the mechanical field size tolerance. This presentation will end with a section on measurements of the TPR and OCR data. Especially measuring OCR data for the IRIS collimator, which require 15 degree and 105 degree scans in addition to the in‐plane and cross‐plane scans, will be discussed. Data processing as well as tips & tricks to streamline the process will be given. Quality assurance and secondary dose verification processes as applicable to the dosimetry will be covered. Learning Objectives: 1. Understanding the new IAEA “Small Field Dosimetry” Paradigm on reference fielddosimetry. 2. Understanding which detector types are suitable for Cyberknife small field dosimetry, and why. 3. Understanding Cyberknife‐specific challenges.
Radiation Sterilization of Food

I AM constrained to comment on the article entitled “Direct and Indirect Effects of Radiation on Plant Cells: Their Relation to Growth and Growth Induction” by Holsten, Sugii, and Steward1. I am impelled to do this mainly because of what I deem to be an irrelevant statement made in the concluding remarks of the article which states: “The work has other and obvious implications for the radiation sterilization of food, especially in those cases in which the material so radiated is relatively rich in sugar”.
Contrasting Mammalian Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Promoters: Nuclear Factor-Y Binds to a Deoxyribonucleic Acid Element Unique to the Human PTH Promoter and Acts as a Transcriptional Enhancer

The identification of a highly conserved specificity protein 1 (Sp1) DNA element in mammalian PTH promoters was recently reported. However, the presence of a novel DNA-binding complex was subsequently observed exclusively with the human PTH (hPTH) Sp1 element in mobility shift studies. Point mutations in the hPTH Sp1 element revealed the factor recognized a CAAT-like sequence resulting from a single nucleotide difference unique to the human sequence relative to other mammalian promoters. A consensus nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) element was able to specifically compete for formation of the novel complex, whereas antiserum directed against the B-subunit of NF-Y supershifted the complex without disturbing binding by the Sp3/Sp1 proteins. Moreover, immunocytochemistry confirmed the nuclear localization of NF-Y in parathyroid gland cells. Transient expression of a dominant negative form of NF-Y impaired basal hPTH promoter activity in opossum kidney cells. Studies in Drosophila SL2 cells revealed that an intact NF-...
MULTIDIMENSIONAL INVERSE TRANSIENT HEAT CONDUCTION PROBLEMS BY DIRECT SENSITIVITY COEFFICIENT METHOD USING A FINITE-ELEMENT SCHEME

Abstract A recently developed algorithm called the direct sensitivity coefficient method has been extended to deal with the transient effect of inverse heat conduction problems. The method was successfully applied to multidimensional steady-state problems. Different sensitivity coefficients have been used to assess the physical responses of the domain considered under unit loading conditions for steady-state inverse problems. The concept of the finite-element discretization has been applied to evaluate the global responses under the total loading condition. The method developed is capable of dealing with unknown surface heat flux, surface temperature, heat transfer coefficient, or any combination of the above. In this article, the formulation as well as the theory adopted is discussed. The finite-element procedures for solving two-dimensional transient problems are specifically illustrated. Analysis of a selected benchmark problem is conducted. Results based on information with and without future temperat...
Arachidonic acid causes lysis of human platelets in an artificial medium: Protection by plasma

Abstract Addition of 1 or 2 mM of arachidonic acid (AA) to a washed platelet suspension (WPS) resulted in an instantaneous rise of light transmission (LT) in the platelet aggregometer. The LT curves showed no evidence of shape change patterns and the recording pen showed no fluctuations. This rise of LT was not affected by the absence of CaCl 2 , or the presence of PGI 2 or ASA. However, LT curves, showing shape change patterns and with pen fluctuations, were obtained when plasma, serum or albumin was included in the test system. These latter form of LT curves were also obtained in WPS samples exposed to lower concentrations of AA. Electron microscopic examination of these samples revealed varying degrees of lysis of every platelet in WPS exposed to 1 mM of AA. Numerous lyzed platelets were also found in samples either exposed to 0.5 mM of AA in the absence of added plasma, serum or albumin, or exposed to 1mM of AA in the presence of 5% of added plasma or 2.5 mg/ml albumin. The LT curves of these samples showed shape change patterns and pen fluctuations. These results indicate a pitfall of relying on platelet aggregometry alone in the study of certain AA-induced responses of washed platelets.
Mechanism for transforming growth factor β regulation of α mRNA in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated B cells

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta has been shown to stimulate isotype switching to IgA in cultures of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated B cells. The induction of isotype switching is associated with the appearance of novel germline alpha transcripts that cannot be found in cultures stimulated with LPS alone. TGF-beta also increases the steady state level of productive alpha mRNA. In order to further elucidate both the role of TGF-beta and germline transcripts in isotype switching to IgA in B cells, the mechanism responsible for the changes in alpha mRNA was investigated. The increase in alpha mRNA which does not occur until day 2 of culture continues until at least day 4. Nuclear run-on analysis demonstrated that TGF-beta does not significantly increase the rate of transcription of either germline or productive alpha mRNA after 12, 24, or 48 h of culture. However, by day 2 of culture TGF-beta increases the half-life of alpha mRNA. These findings support the idea that TGF-beta acts as a secondary signal to stimulate isotype switching to IgA in a population that has already received a signal that drives it toward IgA production. In addition these studies suggest that either the germline transcripts or processing of pre-germline alpha mRNA transcripts plays a role in targeting recombination.
Limit on Parity Nonconservation in p -Nucleus Scattering at 6 GeV/ c

We measure a limit on a parity-nonconserving asymmetry in the $p$-Be cross section at 6 GeV/c. The result is $\frac{({\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{+}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\ensuremath{-}})}{({\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{+}+{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\ensuremath{-}})}=(5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}9)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ where ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{+}({\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\ensuremath{-}})$ is approximately the $p$-Be total cross section for positive (negative) beam helicity. Systematic errors are determined to be 5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$.
Thermalization in energy band tails

Abstract The rate equations for carriers injected into an amorphous semiconductor are considered for a simple model with radiative recombination of injected electron and holes and with emission and absorption of optical phonons of a single energy. The approximate energy dependence of the rate coefficients is calculated for a model of the band tail states. A steady-state solution of the rate equations is compared with experimental results for luminescence and photoconductivity in amorphous As2Te2Se.
Purinergic actions on neurons that modulate nociception in the rostral ventromedial medulla.

Abstract The rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) serves as a critical link in bulbo-spinal nociceptive modulation. Within the RVM, ‘off-cells’ pause and ‘on-cells’ discharge immediately prior to a nocifensive reflex. These neurons are also activated and inactivated, respectively, by local or systemic application of opioids. Off-cell activation leads to behavioral anti-nociception and on-cell activation to hyperalgesia. Thus, on- and off-cell populations allow bi-directional modulation of nociception by the RVM. A third neuronal population, neutral cells, shows no reflex-related change in discharge. The role of neutral cells in nociception, if any, is unknown. We investigated the responses of on-, off- and neutral cells to the iontophoretic application of purinergic ligands in lightly anesthetized rats. On-cell firing increased rapidly in response to application of ATP and to the P2X-receptor agonist, α,β-methylene ATP. Off-cell firing increased gradually in response to ATP and to the P2Y-receptor agonist, 2-methylthio-ATP. All of these responses were attenuated or reversed by the non-specific P2-receptor antagonists, suramin and pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,4′-disulfonic acid (PPADS). Activation of off-cells was preferentially antagonized by the relatively selective P2Y antagonist, MRS2179. By contrast with activation of on- and off-cells by ATP, neutral cell firing was depressed by ATP, adenosine and the P1-receptor agonist, 5′-(N-ethylcarboxamido) adenosine (NECA). Neutral cell responses to these agonists were at least partially reversed by the adenosine-receptor antagonist, 8-phenyltheophylline (8PT). These data imply that on-cells preferentially express P2X-receptors, off-cells P2Y-receptors and neutral cells P1-receptors. Immunohistochemical localization of purinergic receptors confirms the presence of some subtypes of P2X, P2Y and A1 receptors on neuronal cell bodies and fibers within the RVM. The differential responses of on-, off- and neutral-cells to purinergic ligands highlight the value of pharmacological signatures in further delineation of the anatomy, connectivity and function of this therapeutically important system.
Rubidium–strontium Correlation of Three Tektites and their Supposed Sedimentary Matrices

The hypothesis that tektites are the fusion produets of the local material in which they are found was not upheld by rubidium-strontium correlation data nor Sr/sup 87/: S/sup 86/ ratios. The correlation tests were run on three pairs of tektites and their associated matrix material. The results did not indicate support of the hypothesis that tektites may be the fusion products of large meteoritic splashes. (M.C.G.)
Bronchial Adenoma: A Review of 51 Patients

The cases of 51 patients with bronchial adenomas were reviewed. There were 43 bronchial carcinoids, 5 adenoid cystic carcinomas, 2 mixed tumors, and 1 mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The carcinoid group was divided into typical (31, 72%) and atypical (12, 28%) subgroups. Nine carcinoids (20%) were categorized as metastasizing adenomas; in this group, 7 lesions were atypical and 2 were typical. Thirty-two lobectomies, 7 bilobectomies, 8 pneumonectomies, 2 sleeve resections, and 2 tracheal resections were performed. Ten-year survival was 88% for patients with typical carcinoids and 59% for those with atypical carcinoids. In the group with adenoid cystic carcinoma, 1 patient died postoperatively, 1 had recurrence of the tumor, 2 were alive and free from disease 16 and 23 years later, and 1 died of heart disease at 11 years. The patient with mucoepidermoid carcinoma was alive without recurrence 15 years after operation. In conclusion, bronchial adenomas of the carcinoid type are potentially malignant. Their prognosis depends on the histology of the tumor, and on the presence of metastasis to the regional lymph nodes and distant organs.
Antidepressant behavioral effects by dual inhibition of monoamine reuptake in the rat forced swimming test

Because of clinical interest in the effects of antidepressant drugs that exert their effects on multiple neurotransmitter systems, the behavioral effects produced by combined treatment with an SSRI (fluoxetine) with a selective norepinephrine (NE; desipramine) or dopamine (DA) reuptake inhibitor (buproprion) were examined in the forced swimming test (FST), a behavioral test in rodents that predicts the clinical activity of antidepressants. Three additional compounds with mixed activity as NE-5-HT reuptake inhibitors, milnacipran, duloxetine and venlafaxine, were also examined. Desipramine and fluoxetine both reduced immobility in the FST, but desipramine increased only climbing behavior, whereas fluoxetine increased only swimming behavior. The combination of fluoxetine with desipramine or bupropion increased both climbing and swimming behaviors at certain doses, but higher doses of desipramine when combined with fluoxetine replaced swimming behavior with climbing behavior. The mixed NE-5-HT reuptake inhibitors milnacipran and duloxetine reduced immobility and increased climbing behavior, but did not alter swimming. Venlafaxine reduced immobility and increased swimming behavior, except at the highest dose tested (80 mg/kg), which increased both swimming and climbing behaviors. Thus, combining certain doses of pharmacologically selective monoamine reuptake inhibitors, or the mixed reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine, produced a pattern of mixed active behaviors in the FST (climbing and swimming) that may reflect the activity of multiple neurotransmitters, especially the combination of enhanced 5-HT and DA activity. The combination of higher doses of desipramine with fluoxetine, or compounds with mixed activity at inhibiting NE and 5-HT reuptake, demonstrated effects similar to those of desipramine alone and may reflect inhibition of the expression of serotonergic antidepressant behavioral effects by selective NE reuptake inhibitors.
Provincial and municipal roles in Canadian planning

between provincial and municipal governments in Canada. Pointing out that municipal governments are dependent on the provinces for their existence, the author goes on to stress the diversity of Canadian municipal governments. Their political role and service functions are noted and local government reform in Canada is analysed. The author concludes by arguing for more explicit policy statements from the Canadian provincial governments in order to provide a framework for municipal planning.
Serum leptin concentrations during pregnancy and their relationship to fetal growth

Objective: To test the hypothesis that maternal and cord serum leptin concentrations correlate with birth weight of infants. Methods: Pregnant women (n = 135) of low socioeconomic status who delivered full-term infants were selected from more than 1500 women who participated in a study to identify factors related to fetal growth restriction (FGR). They were divided into two groups based on their infants being classified as having FGR (n = 66) or not (n = 69), and each group was divided further into three subgroups based on prepregnancy body mass index (BMI): less than 19.8, 19.8–28.9, and 29 or more. Sample estimations indicated that 20 subjects per subgroup would be adequate to detect 50% difference in leptin concentrations. Results: Mean maternal serum leptin concentrations adjusted for BMI were highest at approximately 22–27 weeks' gestation (29.8 ng/mL) and declined thereafter until term (25.2 ng/mL). Leptin concentration and prepregnancy BMI correlated significantly. We found neither significant difference in leptin concentrations between the subjects with and without FGR infants nor significant correlation between maternal leptin concentrations and birth weight of infants. Mean cord serum leptin concentration (10.8 ng/mL) was lower than maternal concentrations and correlated significantly with birth weight (r = .61, P < .001). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that maternal leptin concentration during pregnancy is not an accurate indicator of fetal growth. Cord serum leptin concentrations were lower than maternal serum concentrations and correlated significantly with birth weight.
Promotion of Lung Health: NHLBI Workshop on the Primary Prevention of Chronic Lung Diseases

Lung-related research primarily focuses on the etiology and management of diseases. In recent years, interest in primary prevention has grown. However, primary prevention also includes "health promotion" (actions in a population that keep an individual healthy). We encourage more research on population-based (public health) strategies that could not only maximize lung health but also mitigate "normal" age-related declines-not only for spirometry but across multiple measures of lung health. In developing a successful strategy, a "life course" approach is important. Unfortunately, we are unable to achieve the full benefit of this approach until we have better measures of lung health and an improved understanding of the normal trajectory, both over an individual's life span and possibly across generations. We discuss key questions in lung health promotion, with an emphasis on the upper (healthier) end of the distribution of lung functioning and resiliency and briefly summarize the few interventions that have been studied to date. We conclude with suggestions regarding the most promising future research for this important, but largely neglected, area of lung research.
Influence of adrenal cortical steroids upon the blood pressure and the rate of progression of experimental nephritis in rats.

IN RECENT YEARS it has been demonstrated that long continued administration of desoxycorticosterone acetate (DCA) may induce a rise in blood pressure in patients with or without disease of the adrenal glands (Loeb, Atchley, Ferrebee and Ragan, 1939; Ferrebee, Ragan, Atchley and Loeb, 1939; Thorn, Dorrance and Day, 1942; Engel, Cohn and Soffer, 1942; Roth, Robinson and Wilder, 1943; Perera, Knowlton, Lowell and Loeb, 1944) as well as in normal dogs and rats (Kuhlmann, Ragan, Ferrebee, Atchley and Loeb, 1939; Grollman, Harrison and Williams, 1940; Selye, Hall and Rowley, 1943). In animals treated with DCA, this hypertension is often associated with evidences of renal damage (Selye, Hall and Rowley, 1943; Selye and Hall, 1943; Selye and Pentz, 1943). No similar effect on blood pressure has been reported following prolonged treatment with adrenal cortical extract (ACE), Grollman, Harrison and Williams (1940).
The Influence of Alternative Scale Formats on the Generalizability of Data Obtained From Direct Behavior Rating Single-Item Scales (DBR-SIS):

The current study served to extend previous research on scaling construction of Direct Behavior Rating (DBR) in order to explore the potential flexibility of DBR to fit various intervention contexts. One hundred ninety-eight undergraduate students viewed the same classroom footage but rated student behavior using one of eight randomly assigned scales (i.e., differed with regard to number of gradients, length of scale, discrete vs. continuous). Descriptively, mean ratings typically fell within the same scale gradient across conditions. Furthermore, results of generalizability analyses revealed negligible variance attributable to the facet of scale type or interaction terms involving this facet. Implications for DBR scale construction within the context of intervention-related decision making are presented and discussed.
Investment Bank Compensation and IPO Pricing

Using a large sample of initial public offerings (IPOs) from 1985-2002, we study how the compensation of the investment banks participating in an IPO affects the pricing of the offer. We show that shifting investment bank compensation toward the selling concession (away from management fees and/or underwriting fees) has a significant impact on the offer price of the IPO. That is, redistributing compensation toward the investment banks in the selling group increases the average price revision from the initial filing range. This result is robust to a number of controls and endogeneity concerns, and is statistically and economically significant.
Performance optimization of synchrotron light sources

This paper will present work done at the NSLS to tailor the electron beam properties so as to maximize the performance of the photon beamlines. The electron beam properties of most importance to photon users are the total stored current, emittance, lifetime, and transverse stability. Recent and planned improvements in each of these properties will be discussed as well as the ultimate limits for each. The discussion of transverse stability will include high frequency motion, which can reduce the effective brightness, as well as slow drift during a fill and fill-to-fill reproducibility.
Diet and cell growth modulation by ammonia

Fiber is not digested by endogenous enzymes but is fermented by microbes principally in the large intestine. With fermentable energy available, microbes synthesize protein by using ammonia released by their enzymes from urea and other nitrogenous substances in ingesta and intestinal secretions. Fibber fermentation also yields fatty acids that lower the concentration of free ammonia by lowering pH. Fiber increases bulk and water of intestinal contents, shortens transit time, and decreases the concentration of toxic substances in contact with the intestinal mucosa. These processes decrease duration and intensity of exposure of the intestinal mucosa to free ammonia, the form of nitrogen that is most toxic and most readily absorbed by cells. At concentrations found in the lower bowel on usual Western diets, ammonia destroys cells, alters nucleic acid synthesis, increases intestinal mucosal cell mass, increases virus infections, favors growth of cancerous cells over noncancerous cells in tissue culture, and increases virus infections. Ammonia in the bowel increases as protein intake increases. The attributes of ammonia and the epidemiological evidence comparing populations that maintain low intakes of unrefined carbohydrate with those that consume high intakes of protein, fat, and refined carbohydrates implicate ammonia in carcinogenesis and other disease processes.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic trisegmentectomy and left upper lobectomy provide equivalent survivals for stage IA and IB lung cancer

Objectives Despite a trend toward sublobar resections for lung cancers, some question the adequacy of limited resections in the treatment of lung cancer and questions remain about performing these procedures by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). We compared the survival for lung cancers treated with VATS segmentectomy versus VATS lobectomy. Methods VATS segmentectomy and lobectomy for both malignant and benign lung pathology are reviewed from a single institution. Results Between 1998 and 2010, 73 VATS trisegmentectomies were performed in 49 women and 24 men (mean age, 72 years). Diagnoses included primary lung cancer (91%), benign disease (4%), and metastatic disease (5%). Primary lung cancers were 68% for stage IA, 17% for stage IB, and 15% for stage II-IV. Seventy-three left upper lobe (LUL) trisegmentectomies were performed. Mean hospital stay after VATS trisegmentectomy was 3.8 days, versus 5.5 days after VATS LUL lobectomy ( P = .0736). Complication rates for trisegmentectomy group (37%) and lobectomy (17%; P > .05) were not statistically different. Survival after VATS trisegmentectomy and LUL lobectomy for either stage IA lung cancer or stage IB lung cancer was not statistically significant. Conclusions Segmentectomy can be performed by VATS with no greater morbidity and mortality than with VATS lobectomy. LUL trisegmentectomy provides the same survival as lobectomy for stage IA and IB tumors. Our experience supports the use of lingular-sparing trisegmentectomy in the treatment of stage IA and IB lung cancer.
Serotonin synthesis, release and reuptake in terminals: a mathematical model

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has been linked to a wide variety of behaviors including feeding and body-weight regulation, social hierarchies, aggression and suicidality, obsessive compulsive disorder, alcoholism, anxiety, and affective disorders. Full understanding of serotonergic systems in the central nervous system involves genomics, neurochemistry, electrophysiology, and behavior. Though associations have been found between functions at these different levels, in most cases the causal mechanisms are unknown. The scientific issues are daunting but important for human health because of the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other pharmacological agents to treat disorders in the serotonergic signaling system. We construct a mathematical model of serotonin synthesis, release, and reuptake in a single serotonergic neuron terminal. The model includes the effects of autoreceptors, the transport of tryptophan into the terminal, and the metabolism of serotonin, as well as the dependence of release on the firing rate. The model is based on real physiology determined experimentally and is compared to experimental data. We compare the variations in serotonin and dopamine synthesis due to meals and find that dopamine synthesis is insensitive to the availability of tyrosine but serotonin synthesis is sensitive to the availability of tryptophan. We conduct in silico experiments on the clearance of extracellular serotonin, normally and in the presence of fluoxetine, and compare to experimental data. We study the effects of various polymorphisms in the genes for the serotonin transporter and for tryptophan hydroxylase on synthesis, release, and reuptake. We find that, because of the homeostatic feedback mechanisms of the autoreceptors, the polymorphisms have smaller effects than one expects. We compute the expected steady concentrations of serotonin transporter knockout mice and compare to experimental data. Finally, we study how the properties of the the serotonin transporter and the autoreceptors give rise to the time courses of extracellular serotonin in various projection regions after a dose of fluoxetine. Serotonergic systems must respond robustly to important biological signals, while at the same time maintaining homeostasis in the face of normal biological fluctuations in inputs, expression levels, and firing rates. This is accomplished through the cooperative effect of many different homeostatic mechanisms including special properties of the serotonin transporters and the serotonin autoreceptors. Many difficult questions remain in order to fully understand how serotonin biochemistry affects serotonin electrophysiology and vice versa, and how both are changed in the presence of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Mathematical models are useful tools for investigating some of these questions.
Simulations of two-dimensional femtosecond infrared photon echoes of glycine dipeptide

The multidimensional optical response of the amide I band of glycine dipeptide is calculated using a vibrational‐exciton model, treating each peptide bond as a localized anharmonic vibration. The 2D photon echo signal is obtained by solving the non-linear exciton equations. Comparison of different models of spectral broadening (homogeneous and diagonal and off-diagonal static disorder) shows completely different 2D signals even when the 1D infrared spectra are very similar. The phase of the 2D signal may be used to distinguish between overtone and collective types of two-exciton states. Vanishing of the 2D signal along certain directions can be attributed to the variation of the phase. Copyright ” 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elevation of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Concentration with Over-the-Counter Fish Oil Supplementation

Objective:To report a case of elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration in a patient taking fish oil supplements for hypertriglyceridemia.Case Summary:A 63-year-old white woman had been taking 2.7 g of eico-sapentaenotc acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) daily in 9 g of over-the-counter (OTC) fish oil capsules for triglyceride lowering. Prior to the adverse event, she had baseline fasting triglyceride (TG) and LDL-C concentrations of 278 mg/dL and 106 mg/dL, respectively. After 6 weeks of treatment with fish oil, fasting TG levels decreased by 47.5% (-132 mg/dL) and the LDL-C increased by 75% (+80 mg/dL). Discontinuation of therapy for 6 weeks resulted in TG returning to high concentrations (334 mg/dL; +56 mg/dL change from baseline) and LDL-C decreasing toward baseline (143 mg/dL; +37 mg/dL change from baseline).Discussion:Fish oil, an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, consists of EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA are thought to inhibit the synthesis of triglycerides in the liver...
Vertebrate Unconventional Myosins

Myosinsarealargefamilyofstructurallydiversemechanoen-zymesthatbindtoF-actinandhydrolyzeATPtoproducemechan-icalforce.Phylogeneticanalysisofthemyosinmotordomainshasidentified 11 distinct classes of myosin, seven of which are ex-pressedinvertebrates(forreviewseeRef.1).Thesesevenmyosinclassesincludeconventionalmyosin,ormyosin-II,andsixmorerecentlyidentifiedunconventionalmyosinclasses,myosins-I,-V,-VI,-VII,-IX,and-X(seeFig.1).AttheNterminus,eachverte-brateunconventionalmyosincontainsaconservedmotordomainthatincludesboththeATPbindingandATP-sensitiveactinbind-ingsites(forreviewofthestructureofthemyosinmotordomainsee Ref. 2). Following the motor is a light chain (LC)
The Resolve to Stop the Violence Project: transforming an in-house culture of violence through a jail-based programme.

Background The usual modes of incarceration have not been found to curb violence significantly, even while in custody. A jail-based programme called the Resolve to Stop the Violence Project (RSVP) was created with the hypothesis that immersing men with a history of serious, recent and often multiple violent crimes in an intensive, multi-modal in-house ‘culture’ would serve as a possible first step to preventing further violence. Methods Two years of incident reports were reviewed for the programme dorm and a regular dorm, both typically serving an average of 56 male inmates of similar composition, for historic and between-dorm comparisons. Results During the year before RSVP began, there were 24 violent incidents serious enough to have constituted felonies had they occurred in the community (roughly three per month) in the 62-bed dorm. During the first month RSVP was in effect there was one such incident; and for the following 12 months, there were none. During that same year, the control dorm that still followed traditional jail practices had 28 violent incidents. Conclusions Correctional efforts may improve with the transformation of subcultures into therapeutic communities that facilitate the practice of prosocial skills over attitudes and mores that engender violence.
The Copernicus ultraviolet spectral atlas of gamma Pegasi.

An ultraviolet spectral atlas is presented for the B2 IV star Gamma Pegasi, which has been scanned from 970 to 1501 A by the Princeton spectrometer aboard the Copernicus satellite. From 970 to 1430 A the observations have a nominal resolution of 0.05 A. At the longer wavelengths the resolution is 0.1 A. The atlas is presented in graphs. Line identifications are also listed.
The surgeon's perspective on oesophageal disease, and what it means to pathologists

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has become the most important oesophageal issue of the 21st century. It is defined by the Montreal International Consensus as a ‘condition which develops when the reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms and or complications.’1 To surgeons, its importance lies not only in its prevalence but, more importantly, in its potential to lead to adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus. GERD affects between 18% and 28% of the US population, and approximately 8%–15% of these patients will go on to develop the premalignant condition of Barrett's oesophagus.2–5 The two most prevalent types of oesophageal carcinoma are squamous cell and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma used to be the most prevalent oesophageal cancer in the Western world, but it has been surpassed by oesophageal adenocarcinoma in the last 40 years.6 Oesophageal adenocarcinoma primarily affects white men with GERD, while squamous cell carcinoma is more commonly associated with tobacco and alcohol use.6 Oesophageal adenocarcinoma is an extremely lethal form of cancer with a five-year survival rate of 15%–20% despite best available therapy. The five-year mortality rate in early stage disease has been reported to be as high as 63%.3 ,7–10 GERD is a prevalent disease affecting nearly one-quarter of Americans and Barrett's oesophagus is a known complication of GERD.2 For clarity, Barrett's oesophagus is defined as specialised intestinal metaplasia of the metaplastic columnar epithelium.11 Of those with Barrett's oesophagus, approximately 0.12%–0.38% per year will progress to oesophageal adenocarcinoma.11 ,12 We know that chronic GERD leads to Barrett's oesophagus, which is a precursor to oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Since we have effective treatment for Barrett's oesophagus, why then does the incidence of oesophageal cancer continue to rise in the USA?10 Since the 1970s, there has been a nearly 400% increase in the incidence …
A possible “window of escape” in the southern Cascadia subduction zone

Understanding the forces and factors that are responsible for deforming the conti nental lithosphere remains a fundamental issue in geo physics. Deformation in continental plate boundary zones occurs over length scales of hundreds to thousands of kilometers, in contrast to oceanic plate boundaries,
Diammonium Phosphate Corrects Phosphorus Deficiency in Lowbush Blueberry

ABSTRACT Eight commercial lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium an-gustifolium Ait.) fields were fertilized with diammonium phosphate (DAP) at 0, 224 or 448 kg ha “] (0, 200, and 400 lbs per A) to determine the effect on subsequent leaf nutrient concentration. A RCB design with four replications was used. Leaf samples taken in July 1991 showed an increased concentration of phosphorus with increasing rate of DAP, but leaf nitrogen level was unaffected. Soil samples taken at the same time showed no significant increase in available phosphorus. Stems collected after leaf drop were taller and more branched with a larger number of flower buds due to application of DAP compared to the controls. There was a linear increase in yield with increasing rate of DAP.
Spatial CDMA-a distributed multiple antenna access method for broadband wireless communication

We propose a new technique called spatial CDMA, with capacity growing linearly as the number of receiving antennas for multiple antenna elements (MAE). Since spatially separated users each uses a different set of paths to reach a receiver, we can imagine that the multipath "impairment" actually could be used to our advantage to improve capacity and reduce transmission errors. In effect, each user has a multipath transmission signature that helps to distinguish its information transmission. This transmission signature becomes more complex when we have multiple receivers at the base station, and multiple transmitters at the user. We analyze and explore new techniques to learn and match the spatial CDMA code of each user. These techniques are based on a technique discovered from optical CDMA called pattern code modulation (PACM). PACM uses a pattern of pulses for each user as a CDMA signature. For spatial CDMA, the PACM code of each user is further enhanced by the multipaths between the user and the receiver array at the base station. To analyze spatial CDMA, we model the multiple access interference as a filtered Poisson shot noise process, and use a convolution formula and transform domain methods to study the probability of false detection of a spatial CDMA pattern. We use this probability of false detection to evaluate the capacity of spatial CDMA. We show that spatial CDMA could be used for reliable, adaptive, and high capacity wireless multiple access communications, enabling high quality video and data transmission over local and wide area networks.
Security Risk and Social Presence in E-commerce

The object is to investigate the relationship between consumers’ sense of security of a store and their purchasing intention from the store. This was investigated by evaluating how perceptions of security vary among pure play websites with no social presence on the one hand and with social presence on the other; and click and mortar websites with no social presence on the one hand, and social presence on the other. It was also investigated by evaluating how social presence might mitigate the risk of security perceived by consumers. The research method included a scenario given to each participant which requires them to walk through a shopping purchase on a given website. Then the participant was given a survey where the participant will evaluate their perceptions of the shopping experience in regards to security, social presence, and intention to purchase. While there have been studies conducted about perceptions of security, none of these studies have looked at how the type of store, either click and mortar or pure play, impact perceptions of security and how social presence might mitigate negative perceptions. Our study concluded that perceptions of security risk and intention to make a purchase are inversely related, that is that the more risk one feels, the less likely they will have an intention to make a purchase. Our study also found that the type of store does not influence perceptions of security or intention to make a purchase. Social presence was also not found to influence perceptions of security or intention to make a purchase. Online shopping experience was found to influence perceptions of risk.
How low is too low? Cycle day 28 estradiol levels and pregnancy outcomes.

Objective To determine the utility of cycle day 28 estradiol (E 2 ) levels in predicting pregnancy outcomes after IVF. Design Retrospective, cohort study. Setting Academic medical center. Patient(s) All IVF cycles resulting in a positive pregnancy test result at our center between January 2007 and December 2012 were included. Intervention(s) In vitro fertilization with fresh embryo transfer. Main Outcome Measure(s) A total of 5,471 IVF cycles were identified. Cycles were stratified by day-28 E 2 level (pg/mL) into three groups: A: ≤50; B: 51–100; and C: >100. Outcomes measured were live birth, clinical pregnancy, biochemical, ectopic, and spontaneous abortion rates. Result(s) There were 806, 588, and 4,077 IVF pregnancies in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Live birth rates were lower in groups A (15.4%) and B (41.2%) compared with group C (77.4%), representing decreased odds of live birth in patients with E 2 levels of ≤50 pg/mL (odd ratio 0.05, 95% confidence interval 0.04–0.07) and in patients with levels of 51–100 pg/mL (odds ratio 0.20, 95% confidence interval 0.17–0.25) compared with patients with levels >100 pg/mL. Rates of biochemical and ectopic pregnancies were higher in groups A (66.5%, 6.20%) and B (30.7%, 3.57%) compared with group C (7.31%, 0.66%). An hCG level Conclusion(s) Low E 2 levels early in IVF pregnancies are associated with poorer pregnancy outcomes. Estradiol can be used alone or in conjunction with hCG levels to predict the odds of a live birth.
Why Nato Endures: Creating a Contentious Alliance

What exactly is the Atlantic Alliance? Why and how was it formed? The farther the creation of the Alliance recedes into the past, the blurrier the answers to these questions seem to become. On one side are those who see the Alliance as “no more than a classical defense alliance,” “based on a shared perception of threat from the Soviet Union,” and thus vulnerable to collapse once the common enemy disappeared. Regardless of how it is done, any attempt to squeeze NATO into a generic category labeled “alliances” is likely to conceal much more than it reveals. The alliances of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Europe, as we saw in Chapter 2, were formed by statesmen whose idea of partnership was crafting a bargain at a third party's expense, who feared their allies as much if not more than their enemies, and who thus instinctively reacted in ways obstructive of common action whenever an ally was about to secure gains greater than their own. Prior to the changes in warfare made apparent by the Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian Wars, the members of these alliances typically sought to use each other to create a diversion or cover a flank while they snatched a province or two from today's enemy, after which they often abandoned each other with alacrity, before their erstwhile ally could win gains too.
Effect of Repetition upon Speed of Preferred-Arm Extension

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of repetition upon the speed of a simple body movement. Male college students were timed on repeated trials of the preferred-arm extension movement. The timing device utilized a chronoscope which measured the interval from the releasing of a micro-switch to the interrupting of a light beam striking a phote-electric cell. In all subjects, repeated trials resulted in faster movement times. Fifty trials produced faster movements than did 20 trials. All subjects exhibited considerable variation in successive trials for the preferred-arm extension movement.