cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preparation and characterization of close-spaced vapour transport thin films of ZnSe for heterojunction solar cells

Abstract Thin films of ZnSe were deposited onto several types of substrates, including glass coated with indium tin oxide and semitransparent metal layers, using the close-spaced vapour transport (CSVT) method. The ZnSe film parameters such as crystal orientation, resistivity, photoluminescence and absorption spectra, and photogeneration efficiency were investigated, and the effects of the deposition conditions, doping and post-deposition heat treatment on these parameters were determined. The ZnSe films were found to be polycrystalline with (111) preferred orientation independent of the substrate used. The dark resistivity of the films was reduced by about three orders of magnitude to approximately 1000 Ω cm by post-deposition annealing. It is suggested that zinc vacancies and copper residual impurities acting as acceptors are the main recombination centres and are responsible for compensation effects in the films. The fundamental absorption edge was found to be at about 2.67 eV and the values of the absorption coefficient above the absorption edge were established. Doping had a detectable effect on the absorption curves and the photoluminescence spectra. Spectral photoresponse curves computed for the ZnSe films using the absorption coefficient values found here seem to be in a qualitative agreement with the experimental data. Finally, application of the ZnSe thin films to ZnSeZn3P2 n-p heterojunction solar cells is discussed.
Attenuating 5α-pregnane-3α-ol-20-one formation in the hippocampus of female rats increases pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures

Abstract Progesterone has antiseizure effects, which may be due to the actions of its 5α-reduced metabolite, 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (3α,5α-THP). Whether metabolism of progesterone to 3α,5α-THP in the hippocampus is essential for its antiseizure effects was investigated. In Experiment 1, ovariectomized rats were administered subcutaneous progesterone (500 μg) or vehicle (sesame oil), followed 1 hour later by subcutaneous administration of an inhibitor of the 5α-reductase enzyme, finasteride (50 mg/kg), or vehicle (90% sesame oil, 10% ethanol). Administration of progesterone increased the latency to, and decreased the number of, tonic seizures and increased hippocampal 3α,5α-THP levels, compared with vehicle. Administration of finasteride with progesterone attenuated progesterone’s antiseizure effects and decreased levels of 3α,5α-THP in the hippocampus. Finasteride administration alone did not alter ictal behavior or 3α,5α-THP levels compared with vehicle. In Experiment 2, ovariectomized rats were administered subcutaneous progesterone (500 μg) or vehicle (sesame oil), followed 1 hour later by bilateral infusions of finasteride (10 μg) or vehicle (β-cyclodextran) into the hippocampus. Administration of finasteride to the hippocampus of progesterone-primed rats significantly increased ictal activity and decreased hippocampal 3α,5α-THP levels, compared with progesterone administration alone. These data suggest that formation of 3α,5α-THP in the hippocampus is important for progesterone’s antiseizure effects.
A Bayesian approach to determining connectivity of the human brain

Recent work regarding the analysis of brain imaging data has focused on examining functional and effective connectivity of the brain. We develop a novel descriptive and inferential method to analyze the connectivity of the human brain using functional MRI (fMRI). We assess the relationship between pairs of distinct brain regions by comparing expected joint and marginal probabilities of elevated activity of voxel pairs through a Bayesian paradigm, which allows for the incorporation of previously known anatomical and functional information. We define the relationship between two distinct brain regions by measures of functional connectivity and ascendancy. After assessing the relationship between all pairs of brain voxels, we are able to construct hierarchical functional networks from any given brain region and assess significant functional connectivity and ascendancy in these networks. We illustrate the use of our connectivity analysis using data from an fMRI study of social cooperation among women who played an iterated "Prisoner's Dilemma" game. Our analysis reveals a functional network that includes the amygdala, anterior insula cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex, and another network that includes the ventral striatum, orbitofrontal cortex, and anterior insula. Our method can be used to develop causal brain networks for use with structural equation modeling and dynamic causal models.
Statistics of Cosmological Black Hole Jet Sources: Blazar Predictions for the Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope

A study of the statistics of cosmological black hole jet sources is applied to EGRET blazar data and predictions are made for GLAST. Black hole jet sources are modeled as collimated relativistic plasma outflows with radiation beamed along the jet axis due to strong Doppler boosting. The comoving rate density of blazar flares is assumed to follow a blazar formation rate (BFR), modeled by analytic functions based on astronomical observations and fits to EGRET data. The redshift and size distributions of γ-ray blazars observed with EGRET, separated into BL Lac objects (BLs) and flat spectrum radio quasar (FSRQ) distributions, are fit with monoparametric functions for the distributions of the jet Lorentz factor Γ, comoving directional power l, and spectral slope. A BFR factor ≈10× greater at z 1 than at present is found to fit the FSRQ data. A smaller comoving rate density and greater luminosity of BL flares at early times compared to the present epoch fits the BL data. Based on the EGRET observations, ≈1000 blazars consisting of ≈800 FSRQs and FR 2 radio galaxies and ≈200 BL Lac objects and FR 1 radio galaxies will be detected with GLAST during the first year of the mission. Additional AGN classes, such as hard-spectrum BL Lac objects that were mostly missed with EGRET, could add more GLAST sources. The FSRQ and BL contributions to the EGRET γ-ray background at 1 GeV are estimated at the level of ≈10%-15% and ≈2%-4%, respectively. EGRET and GLAST sensitivities to blazar flares are considered in the optimal case, and a GLAST analysis method for blazar detection is outlined.
Functional analysis of the Escherichia coli genome using the sequence-to-structure-to-function paradigm: identification of proteins exhibiting the glutaredoxin/thioredoxin disulfide oxidoreductase activity.

The application of an automated method for the screening of protein activity based on the sequence-to-structure-to-function paradigm is presented for the complete Escherichia coli genome. First, the structure of the protein is identified from its sequence using a threading algorithm, which aligns the sequences to the best matching structure in a structural database and extends sequence analysis well beyond the limits of local sequence identity. Then, the active site is identified in the resulting sequence-to-structure alignment using a “fuzzy functional form” (FFF), a three-dimensional descriptor of the active site of a protein. Here, this sequence-to-structure-to-function concept is applied to analysis of the complete E. coli genome, i.e. all E. coli open reading frames (ORFs) are screened for the thiol-disulfide oxidoreductase activity of the glutaredoxin/thioredoxin protein family. We show that the method can identify the active sites in ten sequences that are known to or proposed to exhibit this activity. Furthermore, oxidoreductase activity is predicted in two other sequences that have not been identified previously. This method distinguishes protein pairs with similar active sites from proteins pairs that are just topological cousins, i.e. those having similar global folds, but not necessarily similar active sites. Thus, this method provides a novel approach for extraction of active site and functional information based on three-dimensional structures, rather than simple sequence analysis. Prediction of protein activity is fully automated and easily extendible to new functions. Finally, it is demonstrated here that the method can be applied to complete genome database analysis.
Response to alloxan modified by gonadectomy.

Arecent communication (Beach, Bradshaw and Blatherwick, 1951) demonstrated that female albino rats more frequently develop severe diabetes when injected with alloxan than do males. It was thought that this sex difference might depend upon the presence of the gonads and, consequently, an attempt was made to eliminate it by castration. Contrary to expectations, gonadectomy failed to eliminate the hypersusceptibility of females to alloxan, a larger proportion of castrate females than castrate males showing postprandial hyperglycemia and glycosuria. On the other hand, gonadectomy did alter the character of the alloxan diabetes specifically with respect to fasting oral glucose tolerance and ketonuria. METHODS A total of 96 rats of the Wistar strain, equally divided among males and females, was used in the experiment. Prepubertal castration was carried out on 24 animals of each sex at 30 to 45 days of age and postpubertal castration on an equal number at 110 to 125 days of age.
Diffuse-plane normolipaemic xanthoma with aortic-valve xanthoma.

Summary A patient with diffuse-plane normolipaemic xanthomatosis had mucous-membrane, conjunctival, and aortic-valve xanthomatosis. The presence of a monoclonal protein and hypocomplementaemia suggests that the xanthomatous lesions were probably not metabolic in origin but developed as secondary events in a histiocytosis of involved tissues. No heart-valve xanthomatization in like circumstances has previously been reported.
Analysis of transient natural convection flow at high Prandtl number using a matched asymptotic expansion technique

Abstract The method of matched asymptotic expansions, which has been used in previous studies of steady natural convection flow, is extended here to transient natural convection flows at high Prandtl number (σ). Expansion solutions, valid for large σ, are presented for the transient natural convection flow near a vertical surface which undergoes a step change in temperature. Throughout the transient, the flow is found to have the same dual-layer structure which is characteristic of the steady flow at high Prandtl number. For large a, the time to steady state is shown to increase proportional to σ½. The temperature and velocity overshoot, which occurs during the transient at moderate a, is shown to disappear as σ → ∞. Uniformly valid expansions for the velocity and temperature profiles near the surface are found to be in good agreement with the calculated solution of the full governing equations for a as low as 16. For large σ, a simple relation for the propagation of the leading edge effect is also obtained which is consistent with the results of past studies for σ = 10 and σ = 100.
Algorithms defined by Nash iteration: some implementations via multilevel collocation and smoothing

Abstract We describe the general algorithms of Nash iteration in numerical analysis. We make a particular choice of algorithm involving multilevel collocation and smoothing. Our test case is that of a linear differential equation, although the theory allows for the approximate solution of nonlinear differential equations. We describe the general situation completely, and employ an adaptation involving a splitting of the inversion and the smoothing into two separate steps. We had earlier shown how these ideas apply to scattered data approximation, but in this work we are interested in the application of the ideas to the numerical solution of differential equations. We make use of approximate smoothers, involving the solution of evolution equations with calibrated time steps.
INTERPRETATION OF SOME OF THE EXCITED STATES OF 4n SELF-CONJUGATE NUCLEI

An attempt is made to give a general account for some of the excited levels of $4n$-type self-conjugate light nuclei, especially for characteristic low-lying ${0}^{+}$ levels and also for the ${2}^{+}$ levels which appear not too far above the ${0}^{+}$ levels in every case except the ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$ ground state. It is pointed out that these ${2}^{+}$ levels may arise from the same configuration as the lower lying ${0}^{+}$ states which are considered to be deformed. The degree of deformation is estimated from the ${0}^{+}$---${2}^{+}$ energy separation and found to correspond to quite high deformations in some cases. The 6.06-Mev, ${0}^{+}$, pair emitting state in ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$, which is considered to be a "hole configuration" by Christy and Fowler, may be deformed and is suspected to have a shape like a line of four alpha particles. Also, a rotation-like series of levels with spins and parities, ${0}^{+}$, ${1}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${2}^{+}$, ${3}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, and ${4}^{+}$ among the highly excited states of ${\mathrm{Mg}}^{24}$ which appears to correspond to a series expected for a linear rotator with six alpha particles in a line is discussed. With ${\mathrm{Ne}}^{20}$, indications of medium-deformed states are found. Analogous discussions on the levels in ${\mathrm{Be}}^{8}$ and ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$ are tried although the experimental evidence is less conclusive.
The wife of Bath and the mark of Adam

(1988). The wife of Bath and the mark of Adam. Women's Studies: Vol. 15, No. 4, pp. 399-416.
Identity Processes and Perceptions of the Life Span in Chronic Mental Patients

This study was an exploratory investigation of identity and life-span perceptions in a sample of thirty-seven chronic mental patients, ranging from twenty-three to sixty-four years of age, using the “life drawing,” a projective technique. Age differences were found in the adaptation of identity to the life experiences associated with mental illness. Individuals less than thirty years old were more likely to adopt a “patient identity”; in contrast, the over-forty years-olds adapted to their illness through denial. These differences held regardless of psychiatric diagnosis, suggesting a process of identity adaptation more general than is implied in mental disorder diagnostic systems.
A degenerate model of vibronic transitions for analyzing 4f–5d spectra

Abstract Vibronic coupling of the 4f–5d electronic transitions is investigated using Franck–Condon theory of vibronic interactions. To perform quantitative analysis of partially resolved experimental spectra given arise from a large number of vibrational modes and multiple electronic states, a semi-empirical model is established based on frequency degeneracy and line broadening. Instead of taking account all participating modes without experimental information on vibrational frequencies and vibronic coupling strength, this model includes a restricted number of degenerate modes with characteristic frequencies and line widths to simulate the experimental spectra. It is demonstrated that this model can be satisfactorily applied to quantitate the luminescence spectra of Ce3+ in Y3Al5O12 (YAG) and evaluate electronic energy levels, frequencies of leading vibrational modes and their vibronic coupling constant.
Robotic mitral valve repair.

Background: Mitral valve repair is the standard therapy for patients with severe mitral regurgitation. Currently, robotic mitral valve repair is the least invasive surgical approach and an alternative to the traditional sternotomy. Recent studies and newer guidelines on mitral valve repair advocate for earlier referral to surgery, resulting in better long-term outcomes of valve function and decreased left ventricular remodeling. Purpose: Robotic mitral valve repair outcomes were compared with nonrobotic mitral repair outcomes through analysis of 4 recent studies, one of which was the Food and Drug Administration trial that granted approval of robotic cardiac surgery. Two studies included their own nonrobotic groups for comparison, with one comparing the robotic approach with complete sternotomy, partial sternotomy, and mini–anterolateral thoracotomy to assess all currently available techniques. Conclusions: All 4 studies showed positive outcomes including decreased need for postoperative mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit length of stay, and hospital length of stay. The studies also showed that postrepair mitral regurgitation was equivalent to that of traditional open repairs at multiple different periods after surgery. Clinical Implications: Patients should be given the option for minimally invasive robotic mitral valve repair if they have no other risk factors such as peripheral vascular disease that prevent femoral cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass or the need for concomitant cardiac surgery such as coronary artery bypass. With the equality of robotic outcomes compared with full sternotomy valve surgery comes the need for more research into what kind of complex valve repairs can be done, which methods of repair work best with robotic techniques, whether the learning curve for robotic surgery can be shortened with more widespread use, and what outcomes can be improved upon from this standpoint. Healthcare professionals need to be aware of all choices for patients who need surgical intervention for their mitral regurgitation.
Reconstruction of traumatic cutaneous facial defects

The appearance of the face depends on the condition and shape of the overlying soft tissue and the underlying skeletal structure. Many facial injuries are accompanied by soft tissue injuries, most commonly contusions and lacerations. The similarity of the tissue replacement (color, contour, and thickness) will determine the quality of the final result.
Observations on the risk of resistance with the extended use of vancomycin.

Objective: To document the risk of the development of vancomycin-resistant bacteria in a population of seriously burned patients during a 10-year period of common vancomycin hydrochloride use. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: The US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Burn Center, Fort Sam Houston, Tex. Population and Methods: Microbiology, infection, and antibiotic use records collected during the hospitalization of 2266 consecutively admitted seriously burned patients were reviewed. Vancomycin was the primary therapeutic agent used for gram-positive infections and was also used as a perioperative prophylactic antibiotic during burn wound excision. This policy was established prior to this review because of a high incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization and an anecdotal association of increased β-lactam resistance in endemic gram-negative pathogens associated with the use of penicillinase-resistant penicillins and cephalosporins. Main Outcome Measures: Isolation of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) or other gram-positive organisms resistant to vancomycin. Results: Examinations of 15 125 gram-positive isolates, including 957 enterococci, for in vitro sensitivity to vancomycin yielded 3 VRE isolates in 3 patients. Vancomycin was used prior to VRE isolation in one of these patients. Resistance was found in 3 other organisms (2 Corynebacterium species, 1 Lactobacillus species). Vancomycin was used prior to these isolations in 2 of 3 patients. None of the vancomycin-resistant organisms was associated with infection and all 6 patients survived. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci or other vancomycin-resistant gram-positive organisms were not found in 663 patients treated with vancomycin for documented gram-positive infections or in 1027 patients where perioperative vancomycin was used. Conclusion: Use of vancomycin as the primary therapeutic agent in seriously burned patients was not associated with increased risk of VRE isolation or VRE infection.
Two new ternary copper-platinum oxides

Abstract Two new phases have been synthesized at Po 2 = 200 atm and T = 890 ° C . One phase consists of a solid-solution region, Cu 1− x Pt x O , with the tetragonal PtS structure and x ranging from 0.135 to 0.355. The other phase has the composition CuPt 3 O 6 and has been indexed with a primitive orthorhombic unit cell with a = 11.588 A , b = 6.126 A and c = 3.109 A . Both phases are black and highly insoluble.
Tuberculosis reactivation in referrals to public health clinics in Texas.

Abstract Background Screening for and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) have been essential components of the TB elimination strategy. Methods To estimate the rate of and to identify risk factors for reactivation TB in patients in Texas with LTBI, we retrospectively analyzed 51,959 patients with LTBI identified in Texas Department of State Health Services TB clinics from 1995 to 2008. Results We identified 200 cases of reactivation TB among the 51,959 patients in this database. The overall rate of reactivation TB was 0.038 cases per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.032–0.043). The reactivation rate in patients who did not receive a complete treatment was 0.058. The relative risk (RR) for reactivation was higher in men (RR = 1.15; 95% CI: 0.86–1.54), patients older than 50 years (RR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.04–1.22), African American (RR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.09–1.34), U.S.-born referrals (RR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.11–1.76), referrals with abnormal X-rays (RR = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.03–1.12) and patients receiving treatment other than isoniazid (RR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.03–1.13). Conclusions The current rate of reactivation TB in Texas is much lower than rates reported in the United States in the 1950s. Certain patients are at increased risk for reactivation and should be monitored more closely during LTBI therapy.
Temporal changes in the canine prostate after transurethral prostatectomy with a cylindrically diffusing fiber

Visual laser ablation of the prostate was performed on 8 mongrel dogs employing a cylindrically diffusing fiber delivery system and a 1.06 neodymium:YAG laser. Each dog received 15,000 J of laser energy delivered to the prostate in one continuous dose of 25 W for 10 min. Gross and histopathologic examination of serial sections of the prostate was performed at intervals from 2 hours to 7 weeks postoperatively. Grossly, a spherical zone of destruction averaging 2.8 cm in diameter was present in all dogs. Histopathologic changes in the prostate consisted of acute coagulative necrosis with interstitial edema at 2 hours, becoming hemorrhagic at 24 hours. A prominent circular area of acute coagulative necrosis with extensive areas of liquefaction and hemorrhage was presented at 4 days. Early re- epithelialization of the resulting cavity was present at 3 weeks with nearly complete resolution 7 weeks postoperatively. We believe that, because of the simplified fiber placement and complete lack of postoperative complications in this small group of dogs, the cylindrically diffusing fiber could offer significant advantage over side fire-style fibers for transurethral prostatectomies.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Eye color predicts alcohol use in two archival samples

The present study used data from two archival samples to test the hypothesis, derived from Worthy, M. (1999), Eye colour: a key to human and animal behaviour. Lincoln, Nebraska: to Exel (originally published 1974) that light-eyed individuals would be more likely than dark-eyed individuals to abuse alcohol. Sample 1 consisted of 10,860 Caucasian male prison inmates, and Sample 2 consisted of 1862 Caucasian women respondents in a national survey. In both samples, individuals with light eyes had consumed significantly more alcohol than individuals with dark eyes. These results are consistent with previous findings that dark-eyed people exhibit more physiological arousal and more sensitivity to some medications than light-eyed people. The results may indicate that greater sensitivity to alcohol in dark-eyed individuals prevents them from drinking the large quantities of alcohol needed for development of physical dependence. Alternatively, greater behavioral inhibition may motivate light-eyed individuals to engage in alcohol consumption to achieve harm avoidance.
Comment on the partially conserved axial-vector current sum rule for the anomalous vertex functions

We investigate the sum rule relating the anomalous vertex function (as a function of virtual-photon squared masses ${q}^{2}$ and ${k}^{2}$) of ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ to the form factors of the axial-vector-vector-vector ($\mathrm{AVV}$) vertex derived from the hypothesis of partial conservation of axial-vector current including the Bell-Jackiw-Adler anomaly and from the algebra of currents. One of the consequences is that, if the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ vertex function decreases at all, a certain combination of the form factors of the $\mathrm{AVV}$ vertex should decrease as fast as ${({q}^{2}+{k}^{2})}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ when one of ${q}^{2}$ and ${k}^{2}$ increases. An experimental check of the sum rule is suggested.
A preliminary assessment of Bacillus anthracis spore inactivation using an electrochemically activated solution (ECASOL).

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of electrochemically activated solution (ECASOL™) in decontaminating Bacillus anthracis Ames and Vollum 1B spores, with and without changing the source water hardness and final ECASOL™ pH. Methods and Results: Five different ECASOL™ formulations were generated, in which the source water hardness and final ECASOL™ pH were varied, resulting in cases where significant changes in free available chlorine (FAC) and oxidative-reduction potential (ORP) were observed. B. anthracis Ames and Vollum 1B spores were suspended in the various ECASOL™ formulations for 30 min, and decontamination efficacy was determined; calcium hypochlorite [5% high-test hypochlorite (HTH)] was used as a positive control. The five different ECASOL™ formulations yielded mean FAC levels ranging from 305 to 464 ppm, and mean ORP levels ranging from +826 to +1000 mV. Exposure to all the ECASOL™ formulations and 5% HTH resulted in ≥7·0 log reductions in both B. anthracis Ames and Vollum 1B spores. Conclusions: The present testing demonstrated that ECASOL™ with a minimum of c. 300-ppm FAC levels and +800-mV ORP inactivated the B. anthracis spores in suspension, similar to 5% HTH. Significance and Impact of the Study: These results provide information for decontaminating B. anthracis Ames and Vollum 1B spores in suspension using ECASOL™.
A new solution to emulsion liquid membrane problems by non‐Newtonian conversion

Surfactant-stabilized emulsion liquid membrane processes constitute an emerging separation technology that has repeatedly been shown to be highly suited for such diverse separation processes as metal recovery or removal from dilute aqueous solutions; separations in the food industry; removal of organic bases and acids from water; and separation of hydrocarbons. Emulsion liquid membrane separation processes remain excessively vulnerable to one or more of four major problems. Difficulties lie in developing liquid membranes that combine high levels of both stability and permeability with acceptably low levels of swelling and ease of subsequent demulsification for membrane and solute recovery. This article provides a new technique for simultaneously overcoming the first three problems, while identifying physical indications that the proposed solution may have little adverse effect on the fourth problem (demulsification) and may even alleviate it. Numerous benefits of optimized conversion of the membrane phase into suitable non-Newtonian form are identified, their mechanisms outlined, and experimental verifications provided. These include increased stability, retained (or enhanced) permeability, reduced swelling, increased internal phase volume, and increased stirrer speeds. The highly favorable responsiveness of both aliphatic and aromatic membranes to the new technique is demonstrated.
The structure and function of MCM from archaeal M.Thermoautotrophicum

Eukaryotic chromosomal DNA is licensed for replication precisely once in each cell cycle. The mini-chromosome maintenance (MCM) complex plays a role in this replication licensing. We have determined the structure of a fragment of MCM from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum (mtMCM), a model system for eukaryotic MCM. The structure reveals a novel dodecameric architecture with a remarkably long central channel. The channel surface has an unusually high positive charge and binds DNA. We also show that the structure of the N-terminal fragment is conserved for all MCMs proteins despite highly divergent sequences, suggesting a common architecture for a similar task: gripping/remodeling DNA and regulating MCM activity. An mtMCM mutant protein equivalent to a yeast MCM5 (CDC46) protein with the bob1 mutation at its N terminus has only subtle structural changes, suggesting a Cdc7-bypass mechanism by Bob1 in yeast. Yeast bypass experiments using MCM5 mutant proteins support the hypothesis for the bypass mechanism.
Endogenous cathepsin B Inhibitor activity in normal and myopathic red and white skeletal muscle

Despite extensive biochemical and morphological studied on the degenerative muscle diseases, the primary chemical lesions are still obscure, both in humans and animals. In this report we examine the activities of the lysosomal endoproteinase cathepsin B and its endogenous inhibitor(s) in the red and white skeletal muscles of guinea pigs with nutritional muscular myopathy induced by vitamin E deficiency. We observed a twofold increase (P less than 0.005) in the activity of cathepsin B in the white skeletal muscles of the vitamin E-deficient (E-) animals over that of the normal (N) and control (E+) groups. Assessment of the activity of endogenous cathepsin B inhibitor revealed a one and a half times greater amount of inhibitor in N when compared to E-; this difference in inhibitor activity applied to both red (masseter) and white (medial head, gastrocnemius) muscle. When the specific activity of cathepsin B in the E-tissue was corrected for inhibitor activity, the corrected value was not significantly different from either the E+ or the N tissue.
Effects of false heart rate feedback and sex-guilt upon attitudes toward sexual stimuli.

60 male Ss differing in sex-guilt were shown slides of semi-nude girls while they simultaneously heard pre-recorded sounds perceived to be either (a) their own heart rates, (b) extraneous sounds, or (c) extraneous sounds requiring close attention. The pre-recorded sounds increased in tempo to 3 slides, decreased to 3 slides and remained constant for 3 slides. Slides accompanied by an increase in perceived heart rate were rated more attractive than those accompanied by decrements and constancy in perceived heart rate, while changes in the rate of extraneous sounds had no effect upon subsequent attractiveness ratings. The effect for the sound patterns accompanying the slides of semi-nudes was present among high sex-guilt Ss but nor low sex-guilt Ss.
Stereochemistry of Solvation of Benzylic Lithium Compounds: Structure and Dynamic Behavior

Several sec-benzylic lithium compounds, both externally coordinated, [α-(trimethylsilyl)benzyl]lithium·PMDTA (12) and p-tert-butyl-α-(dimethylethylsilyl)benzyllithium·TMEDA (13), and internally coordinated, [α-[[[cis-2,5-bis(methoxymethyl)-1-pyrrolidinyl]methyl]dimethylsilyl]-p-tert-butylbenzyl]lithium (14) and [α-[[[(S)-2-(methoxymethyl)-1-pyrrolidinyl]methyl]dimethylsilyl]benzyl]lithium (15), have been prepared. Ring 13C NMR shifts indicate that 12−15 have partially delocalized structures. Externally solvated allylic lithium compounds are found to be delocalized, and only some internally coordinated species are partially delocalized. Compound 15 exists as >95% of one stereoisomer of the two invertomers at Cα. This is in accord with a published ee of >98% in products of the reactions of 15 with aldehydes. All four compounds show evidence of one-bond 13C−6Li spin coupling, ca. 3 Hz, which indicates a small detectable C−Li covalence. Averaging of the 13C−6Li coupling of 12 with increasing temperature provi...
Eritrea Goes Global: Reflections on Nationalism in a Transnational Era

ABSTRACT Many scholars have seen globalization and transnationalism as ushering in a postnational era. The new nation of Eritrea serves as an example suggesting that transnationalism does not only operate in opposition to nationalism but can also work to reinforce it. Eritreans in diaspora helped to liberate Eritrea from Ethiopia and continue to participate in the economics and politics of Eritrea. Official constructions of Eritrean citizenship and the national community take this into account in surprising ways. Theories of globalization, transnationalism, and the wired world that emphasize their unboundedness and their unifying and universalizing effects overlook the ways in which people reimagine community and nation and reassert local loyalties and identities even as they engage in global processes and inhabit transnational spaces.
Comparison of spatial compositional uniformity and dislocation density for organometallic vapor phase epitaxial Hg 1− x Cd x Te grown by the direct alloy and interdiffused growth processes

Etch pit density and spatial compositional uniformity data are presented for organometallic vapor phase epitaxial Hg1−x Cdx Te grown by the direct alloy and interdiffused growth methods. For alloy growth, composition variation is as low as Δx=0.004 and 0.02 over 2- and 3-in diam areas, respectively; while for growth on CdZnTe substrates, etch pit density values lower than 2×105 cm−2 have been achieved. For interdiffused growth on CdZnTe, etch pit density values lower than 5×105 cm−2 have been obtained, while the composition variation is usually Δx≤0.004 and 0.014 over 2- and 3-in diam areas, respectively. Data demonstrate that the choice of particular CdZnTe substrate strongly affects the subsequent etch pit density measured in the layer. Reasonably uniform n-type doping over 3-in diam area using the source triethylgallium is also reported for both growth methods.
TYPE II PNEUMOCYTE MEMBRANE PHOSPHOLIPID METHYLATION IS NECESSARY FOR SURFACTANT SECRETION

Membrane phospholipid methylation has been implicated in membrane receptor signal transmission and cell secretion. In the type II pneumocyte, beta-adrenergic cell membrane receptors are important in initiating secretion of pulmonary surfactant. We studied membrane methyltransferase activity in type II pneumocytes. Type II pneumocytes were purified to near homogeneity from adult rabbit lung and cultured at a density of 3 × 106 cells per culture well. Cells were grown in Eagle MEM with 10% FCS. 3H-1-methionine was utilized as the methyl donor. Phospholipid methylation was stimulated by terbutaline and isuprel, both potent beta-adrenergic agonists, and inhibited by the beta-adrenergic agent propanolol. Methylation was also inhibited by 3-deazoadenosine, a potent methyltransferase inhibitor. For evaluation of surfactant secretion, 3H-choline C1 was added to cultures. Surfactant secretion was stimulated by terbutaline. 3-deazoadenosine inhibited surfactant secretion in response to a beta-adrenergic stimulus. Thus, membrane phospholipid methylation plays a necessary role in surfactant secretion in the type II pneumocyte.
Cellular automata models of kinetically and thermodynamically controlled reactions

Cellular automata simulations of the competition between kinetically controlled and thermodynamically controlled products of a reaction are described. The simulations are based on a stochastic first-order cellular automata model described previously (20) and dem- onstrate an alternative to the traditional approach to such problems that relies on solution of a set of coupled differential rate equations. Unlike the traditional approach, the cellular automata models are applicable to finite numbers of elements and yield statistical information on the fluctuations to be expected in such finite cases. The usual deterministic solutions appear as limiting cases involving either very large numbers of reacting ingredients or a large number of trials for smaller sets of ingredients. 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 32: 529- 534, 2000
Fourier transform methods in elasticity problems and an application

Abstract The application of Fourier transform methods in elasticity problems is discussed. An example of a half-space with the external load extending to infinity is chosen to illustrate the problem that Fourier transforms cannot be obtained in a strict mathematical sense. Two different, possible methods of approach and their limitations for the solution of the above problem are presented.
Patellofemoral arthroplasty: outcomes and factors associated with early progression of tibiofemoral arthritis

The purpose of this study was to review the results of patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) performed by a single surgeon at a single institution in order to determine factors associated with clinical outcomes and progression of tibiofemoral degenerative joint disease. Sixty-one patients with isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis were treated with a PFA by a single surgeon between 2003 and 2009. Fifty-nine patients were available for analysis with a mean follow-up of 4 years (range 2–6 years). Patients were evaluated by measuring range of motion and with the use of the Knee Society clinical rating system, the Tegner Activity Level Scale, and the UCLA Activity Score. In addition, preoperative radiographs were evaluated for patellofemoral and tibiofemoral compartment osteoarthritis and presence of trochlear dysplasia, and post-operative radiographs were reviewed for progression of tibiofemoral degenerative arthritis. Furthermore, multivariate statistical methods were applied to study factors that had potential to influence the final outcome. There was no statistically significant association between age, gender, history of prior knee surgery, patellar height, patellofemoral osteoarthritis severity, patellar and femoral component size, or performance of lateral release with patient pain and function (as measured by the Knee Society scores) or progression of tibiofemoral joint osteoarthritis at final follow-up. Increased preoperative body mass index (BMI) was associated with lower post-operative Knee Society function scores (p = 0.03). Patients with preoperative trochlear dysplasia had significantly less radiographic evidence of tibiofemoral joint osteoarthritis progression compared with patients without trochlear dysplasia at final follow-up (p < 0.0001). In this study, patients with preoperative radiographic evidence of trochlear dysplasia experienced less progression of tibiofemoral degenerative joint disease than patients without trochlear dysplasia at a mean follow-up of 4 years. IV.
Cybercivics: a novel approach to reaching k-12 students with the social relevance of computer science

This paper describes CyberCivics, a novel approach to computer science outreach that integrates hands-on computing experiences with the study of contemporary social and political issues. We provide details of one such curriculum, focused on electronic voting, that we used with a high school AP Government course in Spring 2007. We describe our experience with this curriculum and how it enabled us to reach a larger, more diverse and more academically prepared group of students than prior outreach efforts targeted directly at computing courses. We also suggest a number of alternative approaches to outreach based on the CyberCivics idea.
Do survivorship care plans make a difference? A primary care provider perspective.

Survivorship care plans were highly valued by these primary care providers, increasing their knowledge about survivors' cancer history and influencing patient management.
Category Learning Stretches Neural Representations in Visual Cortex

In this article, we review recent work that shows how learning to categorize objects changes how those objects are represented in the mind and the brain. After category learning, visual perception of objects is enhanced along perceptual dimensions that were relevant to the learned categories, an effect we call dimensional modulation. Dimensional modulation stretches object representations along category-relevant dimensions and shrinks them along category-irrelevant dimensions. The perceptual advantage for category-relevant dimensions extends beyond categorization and can be observed during visual discrimination and other tasks that do not depend on the learned categories. Evidence from fMRI studies shows that category learning causes ventral-stream neural populations in visual cortex representing objects along a category-relevant dimension to become more distinct. These results are consistent with a view that specific aspects of cognitive tasks associated with objects can account for how our visual system...
Ultrastructural basis of impulse propagation failure in a nonbranching axon.

The morphological basis of intermittent conduction failure in the excitor axon innervating the crayfish opener and stretcher muscles was investigated using the electron microscope. The connective tissue component of the sheath surrounding the axon was found consistently to be thinner in the region at which blocking occurs than in control regions located one cm either proximally or distally, at which blocking does not occur. Otherwise, in these regions differences in the width of the periaxonal spaces, the length or width of the mesaxons, the density of mitochondria, the width of the adaxonal glial cell layer, or the structure of the lamination of the sheath are not observed. Because of the thinner connective tissue component of the sheath in the joint region, neighboring axons are distributed more densely around the excitor, and the volume of the extracellular space is reduced. The possibility that the reduced extracellular space might allow excessive accumulation of potassium during repetitive discharge, causing conduction block, is discussed. Alternative mechanisms consistent with this morphology are also considered.
Risky Health Behavior Among Adolescents in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study Cohort

Objective To report the prevalence and comparison of cancer-linked health behaviors and identify risk factors associated with unhealthy behavior among adolescent siblings and cancer survivors. Methods The Child Health and Illness Profile—Adolescent Edition (CHIP—AE) was completed by 307 survivors and 97 sibling controls 14–20 years of age. Results Risky behavior ranged from 0.7% to 35.8% for survivors and 1.0% to 41.2% for siblings. Comparisons of sexual behavior, tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drug use utilizing continuous data revealed no differences between groups. Categorically, survivors were less likely to report past smokeless tobacco use or current use of beer/wine or binge drinking (p-values range from .01 to .04). Survivors with better mental health were at lower risk for poor behavioral outcomes. Conclusions Adolescent survivors engage in risky health behaviors at rates generally equivalent to their siblings. Aggressive health education efforts should be directed toward this high-risk population.
Electrodiagnostic features of acute paralytic poliomyelitis associated with West Nile virus infection.

West Nile virus (WNV) infection is a potentially fatal disease, with meningoencephalitis being its most common neurological manifestation. Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) has also been described, but acute paralytic poliomyelitis has only recently been recognized. We report the clinical and electrodiagnostic findings of five patients with WNV infection, who presented with acute paralytic poliomyelitis. Three patients manifested focal asymmetrical weakness, and two had rapid ascending quadriplegia mimicking GBS. Electrodiagnostic studies during the acute illness showed normal sensory nerve action potentials, compound motor action potentials of normal or reduced amplitude, and no slowing of nerve conduction velocities. Depending on the timing of the examination, fibrillation potentials were widespread, including in those with focal weakness. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging in one patient showed abnormal T2-weighted signals in the spinal cord gray matter. On follow-up, signs of clinical improvement were seen in one patient, whereas two remained quadriplegic and ventilator-dependent 5 months after the onset. This report highlights the value of the electrodiagnostic studies in the diagnosis and prognosis of focal or generalized weakness due to acute paralytic poliomyelitis associated with WNV infection.
Using crowdsourced satellite SNR measurements for 3D mapping and real-time GNSS positioning improvement

Geopositioning using Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), is inaccurate in urban environments due to frequent non-line-of-sight (NLOS) signal reception. This poses a major problem for mobile services that benefit from accurate urban localization, such as navigation, hyperlocal advertising, and geofencing applications. However, urban NLOS signal reception can be exploited in two ways. First, one can use satellite signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurements crowdsourced from mobile devices to create 3D environment maps. This is possible because, for example, the SNR of signals obstructed by buildings is lower on average than that of line-of-sight (LOS) signals. Second, in a sort of reverse process called Shadow Matching, SNR readings from a particular device at an instant in time can be compared to 3D maps to provide real-time localization improvement. In this paper we give a brief overview of how such a system works and describe a scalable, low-cost, software-only architecture that implements it.
Molecular simulations of crosslinking process of thermosetting polymers

Abstract We use molecular dynamics (MD) with a procedure to describe chemical reactions to predict the atomic structure and properties of the thermosetting polymer epoxy EPON-862 and curing agent DETDA. The DREIDING force field is employed with environment-dependent atomic charges obtained self consistently during the dynamics. We propose a computationally efficient method to describe charge evolution based on the observation that atomic charges evolve significantly only during chemical reactions and in a repeatable manner. Two chemistry models with different relative rates for primary and secondary amine reactions are used to mimic the curing process in two extreme cases of processing conditions. The simulations show that differences in chemical reaction rates affect properties for intermediate conversion degrees (∼40–70%) but not for the higher conversion rates of interest in most applications. We also find that performing the polymerization at high temperatures leads to networks with lower internal strain energy due to increased molecular mobility. The predicted density, coefficient of thermal expansion, glass transition temperature and elastic constants of the resulting polymers are in excellent agreement with experiments.
The Anthropology of Online Communities

▪ Abstract Information and communication technologies based on the Internet have enabled the emergence of new sorts of communities and communicative practices—phenomena worthy of the attention of anthropological researchers. Despite early assessments of the revolutionary nature of the Internet and the enormous transformations it would bring about, the changes have been less dramatic and more embedded in existing practices and power relations of everyday life. This review explores researchers' questions, approaches, and insights within anthropology and some relevant related fields, and it seeks to identify promising new directions for study. The general conclusion is that the technologies comprising the Internet, and all the text and media that exist within it, are in themselves cultural products. Anthropology is thus well suited to the further investigation of these new, and not so new, phenomena.
Modeling Heat and Mass Transfer from Fabric-Covered Cylinders

Fabric-covered cylinders are convenient analogs for clothing systems. The geometry is well defined and includes many of the effects that are important in garments. Fabric-covered cylinder models are used in conjunction with laboratory measurements of material properties to calculate heat and mass transfer properties of clothing under specific conditions of environmental wind speed, temperature, and relative humidity.