cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improved anesthesia for deep surface-induced hypothermia: the halothane-diethyl ether azeotrope.

Abstract The halothane-diethyl ether azeotrope was evaluated in dogs as the anesthetic agent for deep surface hypothermia with total circulatory arrest for open-heart operation. All 10 animals given azeotrope in 100% oxygen (O 2 ) experienced atrial arrhythmias during cooling, and 1 had ventricular fibrillation prior to the completion of cooling at 18° to 20°C. After only 30 minutes' arrest, 8 of the 10 dogs had postoperative motor disturbances. Administering the azeotrope in 95% O 2 and 5% carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) yielded markedly improved results characterized by a rapid, smooth cooling course, easy resuscitation following circulatory arrest, and rapid rewarming, and 3 out of 10 dogs experienced mild motor disturbance after 60 minutes of circulatory arrest. This method, when compared with our standard method of ether in 100% O 2 , resulted in reduced blood lactates and a striking improvement in clinical status on the first postoperative morning. In limited clinical trials, infants undergoing repair of congenital cardiac defects have done well and responded as expected based on the laboratory experience. Since the results with the azeotrope in 95% O 2 and 5% CO 2 were at least as good as, and in several instances better than, those with the standard method employing ether, the nonexplosive characteristic of the azeotrope warrants continued evaluation of this agent.
A deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance study of the condensing effect of cholesterol on egg phosphatidylcholine bilayer membranes. I. Perdeuterated fatty acid probes.

Abstract Deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance quadrupole splittings Dq and the related acyl chain segmental order parameters Smol have been determined for perdeuteriostearic acid intercalated as a molecular probe in the lamellar liquid crystalline phase of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine-cholesterol-water mixtures. The 2H NMR data show that cholesterol induces a high degree of order in the acyl chains of the phospholipid while maintaining the general profile of high order near the head group and relatively low order in the middle of the bilayer. This results in a pronounced thickening of the bilayer and concomitant decrease in the average molecular area of the fatty acyl chains. The geometrical changes in the bilayer due to cholesterol are discussed in terms of trans-gauche isomerization in the fatty acyl chains. The picture of the condensing effect revealed by 2H NMR is consistent with that from previous X-ray diffraction experiments. No evidence for a specific complex between cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine is apparent. The condensing effect of cholesterol is attributed to interaction between the fatty acyl chains and the rigid steroid nucleus, and to solvation of the 3β-hydroxyl group at the aqueous interface.
Design dysphasia and the pattern maintenance cycle

Abstract Software developers utilize design methods that enable them to manipulate conceptual structures that correlate to programming language features. However, programming languages and the programming paradigms they embody co-evolve over time. Within industrial and academic circles, for example, object-oriented programming has evolved and effectively replaced imperative programming. More recently, many object-oriented languages have assimilated features from other programming paradigms, evolving into multiparadigm languages we refer to as ‘object-oriented plus–plus’ or OO++. This language evolution may weaken the interface between design and implementation, introducing what we call ‘design dysphasia’—a partial disability in the use of a programming language because of incongruous design methods. Software design patterns capture elements of reusable design within a specific context. When the programming languages that are part of pattern context evolve, patterns must adapt to the language change or they may reinforce design dysphasia in the practitioner. We assert that the current ‘capture/recapture’ pattern maintenance model is suboptimal for adapting patterns to language evolution and propose a new ‘capture/modify/recapture’ maintenance cycle as a more effective approach. We then suggest a concrete ‘modify’ phase for current patterns to be adapted to object-oriented based multiparadigm language trends. We present an OO++ Iterator pattern as an example throughout.
Environmental Control of Porosity in Upper Smackover Limestone, North Haynesville Field, Claiborne Parish, Louisiana: ABSTRACT

Present porosity of the reservoir rock in North Haynesville field is limited to primary intergranular pore space. Certain facies contained larger, better connected pores as a result of deposition in a higher energy environment, but preservation of this porosity against cementation and pressure solution makes the diagenetic environment equally critical. Regionally, Smackover porosity is confined to a coastal shelf where calcarenites with primary intergranular porosity were widespread, and to a shelf slope where the calcarenites were confined largely to local shoals resulting from contemporaneous uplift. A calcarenite bar along the seaward edge of the shelf slope restricted circulation. North Haynesville field is behind this barrier. Because of hypersalinity, Smackover allochems are almost entirely nonskeletal, and deposition resembled that of the Bahama Banks. Pelletal mud was deposited in quiet, shallow water with probable periods of subaerial exposure. Slight differential structural movement permitted turbulence in local areas where a mixed facies was deposited. Further movement, probably including lowering of the seaward barrier, created conditions favorable for extensive oolitic accretion during deposition of the reservoir facies. This turbulent shoal environment produced clean, well-sorted calcarenite with excellent porosity, much of which was destroyed through cementation with sparry calcite, possibly under subaerial conditions. A completely cemented zone at the top of the reservoir facies prevented further entry End_Page 2032------------------------------ of dissolving or precipitating waters. Evidence of compaction is common in the reservoir, but early partial cementation and migration of oil prevented excessive compaction by retarding pressure solution. The lower energy mixed-facies environment produced an unsorted calcarenite with abundant mud matrix and poor porosity; pressure solution reduced porosity even further. End_of_Article - Last_Page 2033------------
Cutaneous vasculopathy and neutropenia associated with levamisole-adulterated cocaine

Abstract Background Levamisole has recently been implicated as a cause of cutaneous vasculopathy in cocaine abusers. The objective of this study was to describe this relatively new entity by reviewing published cases identified through a literature search. Methods Published reports identified through a search of PubMed database (from 1964 to November 2011) were reviewed to record clinical, serological and pathologic findings. Results A cohort of 32 patients had a mean age of 44 ± 9 years with a female predominance (75%). Rash predominately affected lower extremities (87.5%), followed by face (78%) and ears (69%) and typically presented as purpuric plaques, which were seen in a retiform pattern in 16 (50%) and had central necrosis in 11 patients (34%). Leukopenia and neutropenia were found in 20 patients (63%). Antinuclear cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) was positive in 30 patients (94%); p-ANCA in 28 patients (87.5%), c-ANCA in 19 (59%) and both in 17 patients (53%). Skin biopsy results were available for 29 patients: 14 (48%) had pure thrombotic vasculopathy, 4 (14%) had pure small vessel vasculitis and 11 (38%) had evidence of both. Treatment information was available for 30 patients. Only supportive care was given to 11 patients (37%), steroids to 16 (53%) and surgical treatment for 5 (17%). Clinical course of lesions was available for 24 patients. Rash resolved in 11 patients (46%) and improved in 13 (54%). During median follow-up of 21 days (range, 7–270 days), 10 of 22 patients had recurrences related to cocaine use. Conclusion Levamisole-induced cutaneous vasculopathy in cocaine users is characterized by a female predominance, a retiform purpuric rash with a predilection for lower extremities, autoantibody production, leukopenia and/or neutropenia and recurrences with future cocaine use.
High affinity binding of thrombin to platelets. Inhibition by tetranitromethane and heparin

Abstract [125I] iodo-α-thrombin has been modified at the macromolecular substrate binding site in order to study the importance of this region in the platelet-thrombin interaction. Modification was effected by the nitration of tyrosine residues with tetranitromethane. This chemical modification abolished the ability of the enzyme to bind with a high affinity to the platelet surface but did not significantly alter low affinity binding. The presence of heparin was also found to inhibit high affinity binding. These results indicate that the high affinity binding site interacts with the fibrinogen binding region of the thrombin molecule and suggests that there are two distinct classes of binding sites for thrombin on the platelet membrane.
Surgical transplantation of sexually immature ovaries in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Transplantation of testes between isogenic rainbow trout males has been recently demonstrated. The objective of the present investigation was to determine if ovaries detached from the body wall and removed from the abdominal cavity would reestablish themselves when autografted to an ectopic site. In the first experiment, eleven sexually immature, female rainbow trout were laparotomized midventrally, and the right ovary was removed and transplanted to the abdominal cavity and positioned along the pyloric cecae on the right side. In the second experiment, the ovary was autografted in four animals as in experiment 1 or was transferred to and allografted in four other sexually immature female trout. The animals were examined three months following surgery. At the termination of experiment 1, the autografted ovaries were present in 73% of the animals; the transplanted ovaries were smaller in size than the intact control ovaries. Histological examination did not reveal any necrotic tissue in these transplanted gonads, and oocyte development was not different between the transplanted and the intact ovary within animal. Transplanted ovaries allografted from another female were not found. Taken together, these data support the conclusion that rainbow trout ovaries detached from the body wall can reestablish their blood supply and maintain ovarian development and that female trout appear to reject gonadal tissue from other individuals of their species.
Effect of Reserpine on Atrial and Ventricular Rates in Atrial Fibrillation in Man

INVESTIGATIONS into the intrinsic rhythmicity of normal cardiac pacemakers suggest that the catecholamine content of the myocardium is an important determinant of their activity1. Reserpine depletes stores of catecholamines; in the dog heart–lung preparation after initial acceleration it slows the sinus rate2, and in the dog heart in situ with heart block it markedly slows the ventricular pacemaker1. In man reserpine slows the normal heart3, but since the sinus node is under extra-cardiac control this observation provides no basis for speculation concerning the mechanism of reserpine effects on the cardiac pacemaker.
Noninvasive assessment of diabetic foot ulcers with diffuse photon density wave methodology: pilot human study

A pilot human study is conducted to evaluate the potential of using diffuse photon density wave (DPDW) methodology at near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths (685 to 830 nm) to monitor changes in tissue hemoglobin concentration in diabetic foot ulcers. Hemoglobin concentration is measured by DPDW in 12 human wounds for a period ranging from 10 to 61 weeks. In all wounds that healed completely, gradual decreases in optical absorption coefficient, oxygenated hemoglobin concentration, and total hemoglobin concentration are observed between the first and last measurements. In nonhealing wounds, the rates of change of these properties are nearly zero or slightly positive, and a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) is observed in the rates of change between healing and nonhealing wounds. Differences in the variability of DPDW measurements over time are observed between healing and nonhealing wounds, and this variance may also be a useful indicator of nonhealing wounds. Our results demonstrate that DPDW methodology with a frequency domain NIR device can differentiate healing from nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers, and indicate that it may have clinical utility in the evaluation of wound healing potential.
Cost-Effectiveness of Blood Donor Screening for Babesia microti in Endemic Regions of the United States

Background Babesia microti is the leading reported cause of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion-transmitted infection in the United States (US). Donor screening assays are in development.
Measures of Trust and Openness

Trust and openness are central concerns in humanistic psychology. A typology of trust, openness, and related variables is presented and utilized as a framework for the listing of associated research instruments. Thirteen of the instruments are suggested for current use in studies of trust and openness.
Beneficiation of a high dolomitic phosphate ore: A bench scale optimization study

Abstract A three stage flotation scheme was employed to beneficiate a low grade, high dolomitic phosphate ore from Florida. The reagent scheme used, developed on the basis of our previous fundamental studies, consisted of oleic acid added as collector, mineral oil and ethoxylated sulfonate as co-collectors and 1, hydroxy ethylidene 1,1- diphosphonic acid (Dequest 2010) as francolite depressant. The three stage scheme was designed to remove fine dolomite (minus 210 microns) in the first stage, quartz in the second and coarse dolomite (plus 210 microns) in the final stage. Using a systematic optimization procedure, which included a comprehensive factorial design, a 420×105 microns phosphate ore assaying 9.8 wt% P2O5, 1.9 wt% MgO and 58 wt% acid insolubles was beneficiated to a product analyzing 31 wt% P2O5, 0.9 wt% MgO and 6.0 wt% acid insolubles at a phosphate recovery of 71 wt%.
Pancreatitis-associated ascitic fluid: effect on the oxygen consumption of liver cells.

AbstractWe examined the effect of pancreatitis-associated ascitic fluid (PAAF) on the oxidative activity of rat liver cells and found a depression with eight of nine dog PAAF samples. Pancreatitis was induced in dogs by retrograde pancreatic duct infusion of bile salts plus trypsin. The resultant PAAF was collected, passed through a sterile 0.22–μm Micropore filter to remove bacteria and other debris, and stored at −18° until used. Liver cells were obtained from minced Sprague—Dawley rat livers by gentle homogenization and filtration through a nylon mesh filter to produce a cell suspension. The oxygen utilization of liver cells incubated at 37° with a 1:50 dilution of PAAF was compared to controls incubated with normal dog plasma. The oxygen uptake of PAAF-treated cells was significantly lower with seven of nine ascitic fluids and the depression in oxygen consumption was found to be dose dependent over the range of 10 to 80 μl PAAF. One human PAAF sample was tested and it caused a 72% decrease in liver ce...
High-Throughput Screening of Porous Crystalline Materials for Hydrogen Storage Capacity near Room Temperature

The hydrogen storage capabilities of 18 383 porous crystalline structures possessing various degrees of Mg functionalization and diverse physical properties were assessed through combined grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) and quantum mechanical approaches. GCMC simulations were performed for pressures of 2 and 100 bar at a temperature of 243 K. Absolute uptake at 100 bar and deliverable capacity between 100 and 2 bar were calculated. Maximum absolute and deliverable gravimetric capacities were 9.35 and 9.12 wt %, respectively. Volumetrically, absolute and deliverable capacities were 51 and 30 g/L, respectively. The results reveal relationships between hydrogen uptake and the physical properties of the materials. We show that the introduction of an optimum amount of magnesium alkoxide to increase the isosteric heat of adsorption is a promising strategy to improve hydrogen uptake and delivery near ambient temperature.
Adarand, Grutter, and Gratz: Does Affirmative Action in Federal Employment Matter?

Does affirmative action in federal human resources management (HRM) matter? Responding to the Supreme Court’s decision in Adarand v. Pena (1995), the Clinton administration instructed federal agenc...
Sympathetic Nervous System Activity and Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias: Recent Advances

Sympathetic nervous system activity (SNSA) is believed to participate in the genesis of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTA) but understanding has been impeded by the number and complexity of effects and the paucity of data from humans. New information from studies of genetic disorders, animal models, and spontaneous human arrhythmias indicates the importance of the temporal pattern of SNSA in arrhythmia development. The proarrhythmic effects of short-term elevations of SNSA are exemplified by genetic disorders and include enhancement of early and delayed afterdepolarizations and increased dispersion of repolarization. The role of long-term elevations of SNSA is suggested by animal models of enhanced SNSA signaling that results in apoptosis, hypertrophy, and fibrosis, and sympathetic nerve sprouting caused by infusion of nerve growth factor. Processes that overlap short- and long-term effects are suggested by changes in R-R interval variability (RRV) that precede VTA in patients by several hours. SNSA-mediated alterations in gene expression of ion channels may account for some intermediate-term effects. The propensity for VTA is highest when short-, intermediate, and long-term changes are superimposed. Because the proarrhythmic effects are related to the duration and intensity of SNSA, normal regulatory processes such as parasympathetic activity that inhibits SNSA, and oscillations that continuously vary the intensity of SNSA may provide vital antiarrhythmic protection that is lost in severe heart failure and other disorders. These observations may have therapeutic implications. The recommended use of beta-adrenergic receptor blockers to achieve a constant level of inhibition does not take into account the temporal patterns and regional heterogeneity of SNSA, the proarrhythmic effects of alpha-adrenergic receptor stimulation, or the potential proarrhythmic effects of beta-adrenergic receptor blockade. Further research is needed to determine if other approaches to SNSA modulation can enhance the antiarrhythmic effects.
The Impact of Balancing Area Size, Obligation Sharing, and Energy Markets on Mitigating Ramping Requirements in Systems with Wind Energy

Balancing area reserve sharing holds the promise of significantly reducing wind integration costs. In a companion paper we examine wind integration costs as a function of balancing area size to determine if the larger system size helps mitigate wind integration cost increases. In this paper we turn to an examination of the NYISO sub-hourly energy market to understand how it incentivizes generators to respond to ramping signals without having to explicitly pay for the service. Because markets appear to have the ability of bringing out supply response in sub-hourly energy markets, and because existing thermal resources appear to have significant untapped ramping capability, we believe that a combination of fast energy markets and combined balancing area operations can increase the grid's ability to absorb higher wind penetrations without experiencing significant operational problems or costs.
Feasibility of game-based electromyographic biofeedback for dysphagia rehabilitation

Dysphagia (abnormal swallowing) is widely prevalent in the neurologically impaired and can result from both motor weakness and degraded sensory feedback. We present a system to pair augmentative sensory feedback through surface electromyography biofeedback with video game play for dysphagia rehabilitation. This system was employed with an individual with dysphagia as a result of brainstem stroke and compared against 6 unimpaired individuals. Initial results indicate high usability of the system and identify two objective measures with potential for differentiating control participants from the individual with dysphagia. Both gaming performance and the neck intermuscular beta coherence were decreased for the individual with dysphagia relative to control participants. Performance during gameplay is an estimate of the ability to voluntarily modulate neck muscle activity, whereas intermuscular coherence in the beta band may be representative of transmission from the primary motor cortex to muscle.
Using RF ultrasound to monitor the progression of muscular dystrophy through passive stretching

A study has been made of the application of RF ultrasound to the detection of muscular dystrophy by monitoring passively stretched skeletal muscle. Normal and dystrophic male chickens were raised to the age of ten months. The animals were decapitated and the pectoral muscles were dissected and cut into strips approximately 3 cm in length. The muscle samples were stretched in 2 mm increments up to 8 mm. Ultrasound measurements were made at each stretch increment using an Aloka 280SL scanner which has been modified to allow digitization of the RF signal. The baseline values of integrated backscatter found were -25.2+or-2.4 dB for normal muscle and -20.3+or-1.6 dB for dystrophic muscle. A linear fit of integrated backscatter versus strain yielded a mean slope difference of 8.5+or-0.7 dB/cm/cm for normal tissue versus -1.3+or-0.3 dB/cm/cm for dystrophic issue. >
INFLUENCE OF BETA-MERCAPTOETHYLAMINE ON MUCOSAL UPTAKE OF 59FE BY INTESTINE-IRRADIATED RATS.

SummaryA perfusion technique was used for the study of mucosal uptake of iron by the irradiated small intestine. The entire exteriorized jejunum and ileum were exposed to 1400 r, 1800 r alone, or 1800 r preceded by MEA (100 mg/kg I.P.). The decreases in mucosal uptake of 59Fe were similar in the above categories for the first three days. The mucosal uptake after MEA and 1800 r was much higher at all times after day 3 than in animals given 1400 r alone, but on a histological basis, the intestines of both irradiated groups were similar throughout a 20-day period after irradiation. Thus there is a difference between the rate of histological and physiological recovery in the two groups. The sham-irradiated controls with MEA showed 16 per cent mucosal uptake of iron one day after surgery, but returned to the control level three days later. The sham-irradiated controls without MEA showed 17 per cent mucosal uptake of iron one day after surgery, but did not return to the control level until six days later. The a...
Defining 'Partnership' for Federal Tax Purposes

This report examines the case law and statutory history of the terms "partner" and "partnership," including the seminal Supreme Court cases of the late 1940s, the 1951 amendments that added the language now codified at section 704(e)(1), and the check-the-box regulations added in 1996. The central conclusions are as follows: (1) The existence of a partnership and the identity of its partners should be jointly determined under a single test. (2) The test for partnership validity and partner status most consistent with the text of the code, the case law, and the regulations is easier to pass than the test the government has argued for in recent litigation, and it does not depend on taxpayer purpose. (3) There is a strong argument that the check-the-box regulations harmonized the rules for partnerships and corporations regarding the tests used to assess the validity of business entities and to identify their owners. (4) The economic substance doctrine should not make purpose relevant to the question of entity validity. Copyright 2011 Ethan Yale. All rights reserved.
Bad Apples or Bad Orchards? An Organizational Analysis of Educator Cheating on Standardized Accountability Tests.

Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, we analyze quantitative administrative and survey data and qualitative archival data to examine the organizational character of standardized te...
Two Hawaiian Dancers and Their Daughters

Two Hawaiian women, born around the turn of the 19th century into the 20th, became students, performers and finally acknowledged repositories of hula and its associated knowledge. They passed on their expertise and knowledge in many ways to many others, and especially to one daughter each, who has passed it on yet again. This narrative of aspects of these women’s lives focusses on their learning and teaching, and contributes to a deeper understanding of the hula tradition in Hawai‘i and the significant role of women in maintaining and enhancing it.
Tissue Remodeling and Repair During Type 2 Inflammation

Tissue remodeling and repair following injury is an active immunologic and tissue regenerative process predicated upon a T helper type 2 (Th2) cell response. While typically associated with immunity to helminths or allergic inflammation, the Th2 response mediates tissue repair, acting to regulate inflammation while promoting the expression of wound healing genes and growth factors involved in tissue regeneration. However, if not appropriately regulated, Th2 responses can drive fibrosis, a pathologic condition where excess extracellular matrix and scar tissue are formed to fill the wound instead of newly regenerated tissue. In this chapter, we review how the Th2 immune responses are generated following injury, and the mechanism by which Th2 cytokines orchestrate wound healing. We focus on the immune cells (e.g., Th2 cells and alternatively activated macrophages) that direct this complex process, and the cytokines (e.g., IL-4 and IL-13) and growth factors (e.g., TGF-β) they secrete to mediate wound healing. Second, we detail the downstream wound healing pathways triggered by these factors notably tissue remodeling, extracellular matrix deposition and tissue regeneration. Finally, we discuss the clinical implications of the Th2 immune response on wound healing and fibrosis, and what key factors can be targeted to regulate the balance between optimal wound healing and detrimental fibrosis.
How to License a Technology Standard

I examine the optimal licensing strategy of the owner of a proprietary technology standard in a monopolistically competitive industry. The standard owner can be either an outsider innovator or a joint venture of downstream firms. I find that (1) a simple revenue royalty replicates the integrated monopoly outcome; (2) a patent pool cannot do better than adopt a non-discriminatory licensing policy that offers higher royalty rates to pool members than to nonmembers; (3) if the standard owner sells a complementary good, then it may choose a decentralized marketplace as a commitment not to maximize licensing revenue. Implications to the use of RAND pricing in standard settings are discussed.
One Policy, Disparate Reactions: Institutional Responses in Florida’s Developmental Education Reform

ABSTRACTThis paper seeks to better understand how community colleges in Florida planned to implement a new sweeping state policy pertaining to developmental education. Via a cluster analysis, we identify three distinct patterns in the ways in which the colleges responded to the policy: reformers, responders, and resisters. Further, we find that these patterns are related to the extent to which individual colleges had previously enacted campus-based developmental education reform measures, the magnitude of students previously enrolled in developmental education, and the colleges’ perceptions of the effectiveness of the policy.
Generating Chinese Metrical Poetry by a Statistical MT Approach

Automatic poetry generation is considered difficult.In this paper,we propose a novel statistical approach for automatic generation of traditional Chinese metrical poetry from a few user-supplied Key words.A template-based model is used to automatically generate the first sentence of the poem.A phrase-based statistical machine translation model then generates additional sentences one-by-one.With our interactive model,the user can select the best sentence from the system's N-best output at each step.The approach has been evaluated on the generation of quatrains of 5-and 7-character lines.The evaluation metrics for single lines as well as for the whole generated poem suggest that this method is very promising.
ANCA Related Idiopathic Small Vessel Vasculitis in Children-Wegener's Granulomatosis

Objective: To study the clinical and pathological characteristics of ANCA related idiopathic small vessel vasculitis in children-Wegener's granulomatosis. Methods:Clinical and pathological data was collected from one child with Wegener's granulomatosis and further analyzed.Results: Clinically, the child with Wegener's granulomatosis had multi-system involvement, hematuria, proteinuria and damaged renal function. Anemia was not consistent with damage of renal function. Chest X-ray showed pulmonary nodule and cavities. Except acceserated ESR and CRP, the child also had positive ANCA(C- ANCA/PR_3). Amygdalae biopsy tissues showed vasculitis granuloma. Following immunosuppression therapy, the symptoms of the child were totally comeback. Conclusion: The clinical and pathological characteristics of Wegener's granulomatosis in children were similar to those in adults. For patients with suspected small vessel vasculitis, an ANCA test should be performed in order to make an early diagnosis and treatment started in time.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Conformational Transition and Frictional Performance Modulation of Densely Packed Self-Assembled Monolayers Based on Electrostatic Stimulation.

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) terminated with functional end groups such as polyethylene glycols (PEG) have attracted considerable attention because of their unique and flexible structure that exhibits conformational transition under electrostatic stimulation. Molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the conformational transition and associated modulation of frictional performance of densely packed PEG-terminated SAMs subjected to electrical field stimulation. Previously reported empirical potentials and atomic charges were used to model the intrachain bonds and electrostatic and interchain interactions. Simulation results indicate that significant conformational transition is generated because of the electrostatic forces. Under positive electrical fields, PEG groups are compressed and twisted into the helical form, “gauche” state, whereas under negative electrical fields, PEG groups are stretched into the straight form, “all-trans” state. Such conformational transition may lead to substa...
Evidence that estramustine binds MAP-1A to inhibit type IV collagenase secretion

Estramustine is a novel anti-microtubule drug shown to bind MAP-1 and MAP-2 (microtubule-associated proteins) in vitro. In this paper we have shown that estramustine specifically binds MAP-1A in Du 145a cells, resulting in disruption of MAP-1A microtubules and inhibition of type IV collagenase secretion. Immunofluorescence studies revealed that at 30 microM levels estramustine blocked type IV collagenase secretion by partial disruption of the MAP-1A microtubule networks. Immunoprecipitation studies with polyclonal antibodies provided quantitative evidence that 30–60 microM estramustine blocked secretion of a 105 × 10(3) Mr type IV collagenase. Pulse-labeling experiments confirmed that the effect was not a result of inhibition of either protein synthesis or altered rates of type IV collagenase turnover. Finally, drug uptake studies with [3H]estramustine, scintillation counting and fluorography demonstrated that the principal target of the drug was MAP-1A. For the first time we have shown that the drug blocks secretion by binding MAP-1A and causing incomplete disruption of the microtubule networks.
Exceptional Single-Molecule Transport Properties of Ladder-Type Heteroacene Molecular Wires.

A series of ladder-type fused heteroacenes consisting of thiophenes and benzothiophenes were synthesized and functionalized with thiol groups for single-molecule electrical measurements via a scanning tunneling microscopy break-junction method. It was found that this molecular wire system possesses exceptional charge transport properties with weak length dependence. The tunneling decay constant β was estimated to be 0.088 and 0.047 A–1 under 0.1 and 0.5 bias, respectively, which is one of the lowest β values among other non-metal-containing molecular wires, indicating that a planar ladder structure favors charge transport. Transition voltage spectroscopy showed that the energy barrier decreases as the length of the molecule increases. The general trend of the energy offsets derived from the transition voltage via the Newns–Anderson model agrees well with that of the Fermi/HOMO energy level difference. Nonequilibrium Green’s function/density functional theory was used to further investigate the transport p...
ON THE FAST EFFECT IN BERYLLIUM

The fast effect (n,2n) in Be-moderated reactors is calculated from available experimental data on the (n,2n) reaction from 1.85 to 14 Mev and certain assumptions about the region below 4 Mev. The region above the (n, alpha ) threshold of 0.71 Mev is broken into 18 neutron groups with the region above 6 Mev taken as the first group. All neutrons from the (n,2n) reaction are assumed to be below the (n, alpha ) threshold, so that transfer between groups occurs only due to elastic collisions. The elastic transfer cross sections are calculated, and the results are values of 1.03 and 1.19 for the fast effect for clean Be. After poisoning by the (n, alpha ) reaction, however, the fast effect decreases and then becomes negative. Comparisons are made with other calculations and measurements of the fast effect, and the necessity of further data is pointed out. (D.L.C.)
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in anemia

Erythropoietin, a humoral factor produced predominantly in the kidney, stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) have been used for years in the treatment of anemia, with extensive experience and benefits in anemia of chronic kidney disease. Recent data have suggested adverse consequences with use of ESAs, perhaps relating to inappropriate use, and prompting release of guidelines to ensure safe use and maximize benefit. When prescribing ESAs, indications, requirements to monitor laboratory parameters (hemoglobin levels and ferrokinetics), and clinical status need to be stringently followed.
Improved approach for calculating model parameters in speaker recognition using Gaussian Mixture Models

In speaker identification, most of the computation is due to the distance or likelihood calculation between feature vectors of the test signal and the speaker model in the database. The time required for identifying a speaker is a function of feature vectors and their dimensionality and the number of speakers in the database. In this paper, we focus on optimizing the performance of Gaussian mixture (GMM) based speaker identification system. An improved approach for model parameter calculation is presented. The advantage of proposed approach lies in the reduction in computational time by a significant amount over an approach which uses expectation maximization (EM) algorithm to calculate the model parameter values. This approach is based on forming clusters and assigning weights to them depending upon the number of mixtures used for modeling the speaker. The reduction in computation time depends upon how many mixtures are used for training the speaker model.
569. Development of CRISPR Toolkit for Knock-In Transgene Targeting to the Rat Rosa26 Locus

The advent of CRISPR-based genome modification has lowered the investment cost required for the creation of highly-customized model organisms. Here we describe the development of a Cas9-based genetic toolkit for the rat, which streamlines the targeted insertion of transgenes into the Rosa26 locus. We have constructed a set of plasmids which express the Cas9(D10A) nickase (Cas9n) and a pair of rat Rosa26-targeting guide RNAs (gRNAs) along with a selectable marker. When transfected into rat adrenal gland pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells, these plasmids induce the formation of double-strand breaks and thereby lead to the accumulation of small insertion/deletions (InDels) between the gRNA binding sites. These plasmids also increase the efficiency of homology-directed insertion of a transgene (donor template) when delivered by cotransfection. The verified Rosa26-targeting gRNAs were transcribed and purified in vitro, and microinjected alongside Cas9n mRNA into Long-Evans rat embryos. InDel frequency at the Rosa26 locus in the resulting pups was assessed using a T7 endonuclease assay. For three rounds of injections, the frequency of InDels detected was (2 out of 16), (7 out of 12), and (10 out of 15). The ability to enhance homology-directed insertions in vivo was also validated by coinjecting these gRNAs with single-stranded oligonucleotides (ssODN) containing a novel loxP site flanked on each side by 72 basepairs of Rosa26 sequence. A single round of injections produced 15 pups, 4 of which carried the loxP allele. Next, a single round of injections employing a plasmid-based donor template with 1 kilobase homologous arms produced 7 pups, 1 of which carried the transgene. The use of this rat Rosa26 CRISPR toolkit will simplify the creation of “defined” transgenic rat models and should reduce the inconsistencies attributed to copy number- and position-effects when dealing with randomly integrated transgenes.
Hexahydro-1H-Isoindolinone-Like Scaffolds from Electronically Deactivated and Sterically Hindered Dienes: Synthesis in the Context­ of Muironolide A

Initial synthetic efforts toward muironolide A based upon an intramolecular Diels–Alder strategy were hampered by a conjugate reduction rather than the desired half-reduction. An intermolecular Diels–Alder strategy was initiated that utilized electronically deactivated and sterically hindered dienes. The [4+2] cycloadditions were successful, but only with highly reactive dipolarophiles such as N-phenylmaleimide and 4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione thus establishing the scope of these dienes. Although limited, installation of the α,β-unsaturated lactam embedded in the hexahydro-1H-isoindolinone is noteworthy.
The Nursing Home Physical Performance Test: A Secondary Data Analysis of Women in Long-Term Care Using Item Response Theory.

Background and objectives The Nursing Home Physical Performance Test (NHPPT) was developed to measure function among nursing home residents using sit-to-stand, scooping applesauce, face washing, dialing phone, putting on sweater, and ambulating tasks. Using item response theory, we explore its measurement characteristics at item level and opportunities for improvements. Research design and methods We used data from long-term care women. We fitted a graded response model, estimated parameters, and constructed probability and information curves. We identified items to be targeted toward lower and higher functioning persons to increase the range of abilities to which the instrument is applicable. We revised the scoring by making sit-to-stand and sweater items harder and dialing phone easier. We examined changes to concurrent validity with activities of daily living (ADL), frailty, and cognitive function. Results Participants were 86 years old, had more than three comorbidities, and a NHPPT of 19.4. All items had high discrimination and were targeted toward the lower middle range of performance continuum. After revision, sit-to-stand and sweater items demonstrated greater discrimination among the higher functioning and/or greater spread of thresholds for response categories. The overall test showed discrimination over a wider range of individuals. Concurrent validity correlation improved from 0.60 to 0.68 for instrumental ADL and explained variability (R2) from 22% to 36% for frailty. Discussion and implications NHPPT has good measurement characteristics at the item level. NHPPT can be improved, implemented in computerized adaptive testing, and combined with self-report for greater utility, but a definitive study is needed.
Comparative Theology of Justification and Interreligious Learning: Martin Luther and Shinran Shonin

For comparative theology and multiple modernites, this chapter begins an interreligious reflection of the comparative theology of justification, in regard to Luther’s teaching of grace of justification and Shinran’s in Pure Land Buddhism. A comparative theology of justification makes an attempt to read together faith and grace in interreligious learning and revive the socially engaged dimension of Luther and Shinran for religiously inspired ethics of solidarity and universal grace. A comparative theology of justification finds its critical and constructive import in self-examination, mutual respect, and solidarity in affinity, yet without undermining incommensurability between Reformation theology and Pure Land teaching. In this phenomenological, sociological procedure, a comparative theology of justification is proposed as a theology of interreligious solidarity in examination and renewal of Luther’s theology.
Equinoctial elements for Vinti theory: Generalizations to an oblate spheroidal geometry

Abstract Vinti theory constructs orbits on an oblate spheroidal geometry, naturally encoding the gravitational potential of an oblate spheroid in the coordinates. Classical techniques use spherical geometry. Recent work applied Vinti theory to the relative motion problem by way of a linear dynamical model, which is nonsingular in the oblate spheroidal element space. But as with classical spherical elements, the linear mapping between classical spheroidal elements and inertial rectangular coordinates becomes singular for small eccentricities and/or inclinations in the sense of linear dependence of columns in the Jacobian. To mitigate these practical issues, the standard (spherical) equinoctial elements are chosen to inform in a natural way their generalization to a new nonsingular element set: the oblate spheroidal equinoctial orbital elements. The spherical equinoctial elements can be considered a special case of the spheroidal equinoctial elements in the same way that spherical coordinates can be considered a special case of oblate spheroidal coordinates. The new element set is defined and algorithms for converting between spheroidal equinoctial elements and inertial coordinates are derived. Similarities and differences between spheroidal and spherical equinoctial elements are emphasized for clarity, both in terms of the form of equations and geometrical interpretation. The transformations are valid away from the nearly rectilinear orbit regime and are exact except near the poles. When near the poles, the transformations match the accuracy of the approximate analytical solution, which has been developed to the third order in J 2 in the literature. As a result, the singularity on the poles is completely eliminated for the first time.
Prevent lithium dendrite formation in rechargeable batteries through surface acoustic waves

Lithium (Li) has long been known to be the best anode material for rechargeable batteries, however, lithium metal batteries (LMB) have never been commercialized due to dendrite formation, resulting in thermal runaway and fire or explosion. During charging, Li ions deposit onto Li anode from the cathode via electrolyte. However, the deposition is not uniform due to the inhomogeneous ion distribution in the electrolyte from a thick Li ion depletion layer, typically >400 μm. Our objective is to reduce the diffusion layer from 400 μm to only 1 μm by using surface acoustic wave (SAW)-driven mixing flow of the electrolyte during charging and to prevent dendrite formation.
How to study political activists: A petition survey approach

Abstract A major challenge for social movement and political campaign studies is generating large, representative samples of political activists. This paper outlines a strategy of surveying those who participate in a common, baseline form of political action: signing petitions. Similar to protest surveys, signing a petition constitutes a more baseline low cost/low risk form of political activism. In 26 states in the U.S. petition lists are public record and, with modest effort, can be used to study a wide variety of issues, groups and campaigns. We outline the steps and costs involved in such a petition survey and how to improve response rate. To assess response bias, we compare demographic and political affiliation measures acquired from a marketing analytics company (Experian) for respondents and non-respondents to our survey of petition signers for two state-level initiative elections, finding only modest and interpretable response bias. The methods presented here have broader implications for survey research in general.
3.323 – Magnetic Resonance of Bone Microstructure and Chemistry

Bone is a composite biomaterial that models and remodels in response to the stresses to which it is subjected. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have demonstrated significant potential for the study of bone architecture at multiple length scales and are providing new insight into micro- and ultrastructure as well as chemistry of mineral and matrix phases. This article introduces the fundamentals of NMR and MRI to the reader unfamiliar with the technology and covers a range of possible applications to the study of this important biomaterial and tissue, with focus on innovations spanning the 5 years since the work’s first edition. Areas covered include the evaluation of scale, topology and orientation of trabecular networks by three-dimensional (3D) MRI both ex vivo and in vivo, with particular emphasis on the methods for extraction of structural measures and their mechanical implications in the human skeleton in health and disease. Finally, solid-state proton and phosphorus NMR spectroscopy and imaging are shown to provide new insight into mineral and matrix chemistry, including the role of bone water. The wide availability of NMR spectroscopy and imaging devices based on magnetic resonance are having a significant impact as both investigational tools and for the clinical evaluation of degenerative and metabolic bone disease in laboratory animals and humans.
Mitochondrial DNA evolution in the Drosophila nasuta subgroup of species.

TheDrosophila nasuta group consists of about 12 closely related species distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific region. They are of great interest because of their evolutionary idiosyncrasies including little morphological differentiation, the ability to intercross in the laboratory often producing fertile offspring, and substantial chromosomal evolution. Studies of metric traits, reproductive isolation, and chromosomal and enzyme polymorphisms have failed to resolve the phylogeny of the species. We report the results of a survey of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) restriction patterns of the species. The phylogeny obtained is consistent with other available information and suggests thatD. albomicans may represent the ancestral lineage of the group. The amount of polymorphism in local populations (π=1.0% per site) is within the typical range observed in other animals, includingDrosophila. The degree of differentiation between species is, however, low: the origin of the group is tentatively dated about 6–8 million years ago. This study confirms the usefulness of mtDNA restriction patterns for ascertaining the phylogeny of closely related species.
Reframing Dance Appreciation and Dance History to Teach Social Responsibility.

Today’s political and social climate in the United States shows that now, more than ever, personal responsibility and social responsibility are needed. In my experience, many college students come ...