cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isolation of a crustacean N-acetyl-D-glucosamine-1-phosphate transferase and its activation by phospholipids.

The N-acetyl-D-glucosamine-1-phosphate:dolichol phosphate transferase from Artemia has been partially purified and characterized. The enzyme is solubilized from crude microsomes using Triton X-100, and after detergent removal appears to be associated with phospholipids. Using dolichol phosphate and UDP-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine as substrates, the enzyme catalyzes the formation of dolichol-pyrophosphate-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. The product identity has been verified by TLC and paper chromatography following mild acid hydrolysis. Under the incubation conditions used only one product is made, i.e., Dol-P-P-GlcNAc. The formation of product is linear with increasing amounts of added protein and with time of incubation. The enzyme requires magnesium ions for activity. Activity of the enzyme is stimulated 6-fold by exogenous dolichol phosphate and is also stimulated by added phospholipids, with optimal activity being obtained in the presence of mixtures of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol. Enzymatic activity is not increased upon addition of GDP-mannose or dolichol phosphate mannose. The enzyme is rapidly inactivated by exposure to several detergents, including Triton X-100 and deoxycholate. The activity is inhibited by tunicamycin and by the purified B2 homologue of this antibiotic. Other antibiotic inhibitors such as diumycin and polyoxin D have little effect on the enzyme. Both the microsomal and solubilized enzyme preparations are inactivated by 70% upon treatment with phospholipase A2; activity may be restored by addition of phospholipids. Following hydrophobic interaction chromatography on Phenyl Sepharose, gel filtration chromatography on Sepharose CL-4B indicated that the enzyme, purified 81-fold, contained phophatidylcholine and phosphatidyl-ethanolamine.
CP Violation in τ Decays at SuperB & Belle II Experiments – like Finding Signs of Dark Matter

Abstract BaBar has found A CP ( τ − → ν K S π − [ ≥ π 0 ] ) = ( − 0.36 ± 0.23 ± 0.11 ) % with 2.8 σ difference with SM prediction A CP ( τ − → ν K S π − ) = ( 0.36 ± 0.01 ) % based on K 0 − K ¯ 0 oscillation. Four central points: (i) to establish both the ‘existence’ of New Dynamics (ND) and its ‘features’ in local CP asymmetries; (ii) to increase the number of final states to be probed; (iii) to emphasize correlations of CP violations between different final states; (iv) likewise for the correlations with D ± final states. These measurements should be possible at SuperB & Belle II experiments.
Monte Carlo algorithm for calculating moments of atomic transition arrays.

A new method for calculating moments of atomic transition arrays is described. It is based on the collective vector method described in earlier publications. In this new approach a single collective state vector is generated from a single parent state vector encompassing the entire parent basis. The amplitudes of the basis vectors comprising the parent state vector are randomized. Thus it is representative of the entire parent manifold. We show that a statistical estimate of the transition moments of the array is given by a suitable combination of moments of the matrix element of the E1 (electric dipole) operator between the representative parent state vector and the collective state vector derived from it. Although the detailed characteristics of the dispersion in these statistical results are determined by the detailed characteristics of the Hamiltonian and the model space, we find that overall the dispersion decreases inversely as the square root of the dimension of the model space. This is in keeping with results obtained earlier for the Hamiltonian moments of nuclear systems and means, speaking broadly, the larger the problem the more accurate the method.
A SEARCH FOR PHOSPHINE IN CIRCUMSTELLAR ENVELOPES : PH3 IN IRC +10216 AND CRL 2688?

We present the results of a search for the JK = 10→ 00 transition of PH3 (phosphine) at 267 GHz toward several circumstellar envelopes using the Arizona Radio Observatory 10 m Submillimeter Telescope (SMT). In the carbon-rich shells of IRC +10216 and CRL 2688, we have detected emission lines exactly at the PH3 frequency. Toward the oxygen-rich supergiant VY Canis Majoris, only an upper limit was obtained, while in the evolved carbon-rich proto-planetary nebula CRL 618, the transition is contaminated by vibrationally excited HC3N (ν7 = 4). The line shape in IRC +10216 appears to consist of two distinct components: a flat-topped profile with a width of ~28 km s−1, as is typical for this source, and a narrower feature approximately 4 km s−1 wide. The narrow component likely arises from the inner envelope (r < 8R*) where the gas has not reached the terminal expansion velocity, or it is nonthermal emission. Based on the broader component, the abundance of PH3 with respect to H2 is estimated to be 5 × 10−8 in a region with a radius of r < 150R*. If the narrower component is thermal, it implies a phosphine abundance of ~5 × 10−7 close to the stellar photosphere (r < 8R*). In CRL 2688, the PH3 abundance is less constrained, with plausible values ranging from 3 × 10−8 to 4 × 10−7, assuming a spherical distribution. Phosphine appears to be present in large concentrations in the inner envelope of C-rich AGB stars, and thus may function as a parent molecule for other phosphorus species.
Trauma focus group therapy for combat‐related PTSD

Although individual therapy involving imaginal experiencing of the traumatic event has been found to be effective in treating PTSD, there is evidence that few trauma therapists actually use the technique. Moreover, symptom improvement has been found to favor intrusive symptoms, whereas avoidance and hyperarousal have been less affected. Additionally, there are several published reports documenting difficulties in implementing the treatment, ranging from client refusal, adverse reactions, and therapist inexperience. In this article we outline an alternative group form of exposure therapy, manualized trauma focus group therapy (TFGT), designed to overcome some of these implementation obstacles and to enhance the effects of imaginal exposure to include those chronic PTSD symptoms of avoidance and social isolation. We describe the cognitive behavioral and developmental models from which the approach was derived, present clinical guidelines and an illustrative session, discuss complications we have encountered in TFGT pilot studies, and offer suggestions for improving future implementation. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Quantum-Computer Architecture Using Nonlocal Interactions

Several authors have described the basic requirements essential to build a scalable quantum computer. Because many physical implementation schemes for quantum computing rely on nearest-neighbor interactions, there is a hidden quantum communication overhead to connect distant nodes of the computer. In this paper, we propose a physical solution to this problem, which, together with the key building blocks, provides a pathway to a scalable quantum architecture using nonlocal interactions. Our solution involves the concept of a quantum bus that acts as a refreshable entanglement resource to connect distant memory nodes, providing an architectural concept for quantum computers analogous to the von Neumann architecture for classical computers.
X-ray diffraction residual stress calculation on textured La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 thin film

Residual stresses and texture in La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 (LSMO) thin films have been investigated. The films were deposited on (1 0 0) LaAlO3 (LAO) and (1 0 0) MgO single crystals by liquid delivery-metal organic chemical vapor deposition (LD-MOCVD). X-ray diffraction (XRD) pole figures showed (0 0 1)LSMO//(0 0 1)LAO and (0 0 1)LSMO//(0 0 1)MgO preferred orientation. Residual stresses were calculated using a modified sin2ψ method, crystallite group method (CGM), assuming a biaxial stress state. Compressive stresses on the order of 224 and 1150 MPa were obtained for LSMO films deposited on LAO (LSMO/LAO) and MgO (LSMO/MgO), respectively.
Cerebral Neovascularization in Diabetes: Implications for Stroke Recovery and beyond

Neovascularization is an innate physiologic response by which tissues respond to various stimuli through collateral remodeling (arteriogenesis) and new vessel formation from existing vessels (angiogenesis) or from endothelial progenitor cells (vasculogenesis). Diabetes has a major impact on the neovascularization process but the response varies between different organ systems. While excessive angiogenesis complicates diabetic retinopathy, impaired neovascularization contributes to coronary and peripheral complications of diabetes. How diabetes influences cerebral neovascularization remained unresolved until recently. Diabetes is also a major risk factor for stroke and poor recovery after stroke. In this review, we discuss the impact of diabetes, stroke, and diabetic stroke on cerebral neovascularization, explore potential mechanisms involved in diabetes-mediated neovascularization as well as the effects of the diabetic milieu on poststroke neovascularization and recovery, and finally discuss the clinical implications of these effects.
Functional organization of mammalian hexokinases: both N- and C-terminal halves of the rat type II isozyme possess catalytic sites

Previous work has shown that catalytic function is associated exclusively with the C-terminal half of the Type I isozyme of mammalian hexokinase. In contrast, we now demonstrate that both halves of the Type II isozyme possess comparable catalytic activities. Mutation of a catalytically important Ser residue to Ala at analogous positions in either the N- or the C-terminal halves (S155A or S603A, respectively) of the rat Type II isozyme resulted in approximately 60% reduction in specific activity of the enzyme, with more than 90% reduction in the doubly mutated enzyme (S155A/S603A). Catalytic activity was retained in a chimeric hexokinase comprising the N-terminal half of Type II hexokinase and catalytically inactive (by site-directed mutation) C-terminal half of the Type I isozyme. The N- and C-terminal catalytic sites of Type II hexokinase are similar in V(max) and K(m) (approximately equal to 130 microM) for glucose; however, the N-terminal site has a lower (0.45 vs 1.1 mM) K(m) for ATP, is slightly more sensitive to inhibition by the product analog 1,5-anhydroglucitol-6-P, and is much more sensitive to inhibition by P(i). It is suggested that the Type II isozyme most closely resembles the 100-kDa hexokinase which resulted from duplication and fusion of a gene encoding an ancestral 50-kDa hexokinase and which was the precursor for the contemporary Type I, Type II, and Type III mammalian isozymes. Subsequent evolutionary changes could then have led to functional differentiation of the N- and C-terminal halves, as seen with the Type I (and possibly the Type III) isozyme.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ceftizoxime in patients with dosages adjusted for renal function.

Study Objective. Our institution developed dosing guidelines for patients with renal impairment based on pharmacokinetic data and class-specific pharmacodynamics. Ceftizoxime was chosen as a model agent to evaluate if the modified guidelines achieved similar minimal plasma concentration (Cpmin) and time above the minimum inhibitory concentration of the infecting organism (T>MIC) in patients with renal impairment versus those with normal renal function. Design. Prospective pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation of ceftizoxime dosages. Setting. University-affiliated hospital. Patients. Forty-three patients with suspected or documented infection were enrolled and classified into four groups based on creatinine clearance (Clcr; ml/min): group 1, above 100; group 2, 61–99; group 3, 31–60; and group 4, 15–30. Interventions. Ceftizoxime serum concentrations were obtained at steady state. Measurements and Main Results. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters were calculated. As expected, clearance and elimination rate constant were reduced, and half-life tended to be greater in patients with renal impairment. The Cpmin and area under the concentration-time curve over 24 hours were similar between groups (p=0.39, p=0.42). The T>MIC was 100% for all patient isolates, and 90% or more versus our clinical strain for all groups. Clinical outcomes were similar among all groups. Conclusion. Our dosing guidelines achieved similar Cpmin among all groups of patients. Our results support that recommendations for dosing adjustments should be based on pharmacokinetic data and must also consider pharmacodynamic parameters.
Crystallographic Characterization of Helical Secondary Structures in α/β-Peptides with 1:1 Residue Alternation

Oligomers that contain both alpha- and beta-amino acid residues in a 1:1 alternating pattern have recently been shown by several groups to adopt helical secondary structures in solution. The beta-residue substitution pattern has a profound effect on the type of helix formed and the stability of the helical conformation. On the basis of two-dimensional NMR data, we have previously proposed that beta-residues with a five-membered ring constraint promote two different types of alpha/beta-peptide helix. The "11-helix" contains i, i+3 CO...H-N hydrogen bonds between backbone amide groups; these hydrogen bonds occur in 11-atom rings. The alpha/beta-peptide "14/15-helix" contains i, i+4 CO...H-N hydrogen bonds, which occur in alternating 14- and 15-atom rings. Here we provide crystallographic data for 14 alpha/beta-peptides that form the 11-helix and/or the 14/15-helix. These results were obtained for a series of oligomers containing beta-residues derived from ( S,S)- trans-2-aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acid (ACPC) and alpha-residues derived from alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) or l-alanine (Ala). The crystallized alpha/beta-peptides range in length from 4 to 10 residues. Nine of the alpha/beta-peptides display the 11-helix in the solid state, three display the 14/15-helix, and two display conformations that contain both i, i+3 and i, i+4 CO...H-N hydrogen bonds, but not bifurcated hydrogen bonds. Only 3 of the 14 crystal structures presented here have been previously described. These results suggest that longer alpha/beta-peptides prefer the 14/15-helix over the 11-helix, a conclusion that is consistent with previously reported NMR data obtained in solution.
In-situ straining of Ni3Al in a transmission electron microscope

Abstract TEM in-situ straining experiments have been performed on thin foils of Ni 3 Al and Ni 3 Al containing 750 ppm (0.35 at.%) boron. During the straining, gliding APB-coupled dislocations were observed to leave superlattice intrinsic stacking faults (S-ISF's) as debris in their wake confirming a mechanism for S-ISF formation first suggested by Pak et al . [ Scripta metall. 19 , 1081 (1976)]. The APB-coupled dislocations (i) pile-up at grain boundaries, (ii) become extrinsic grain boundary dislocations and (iii) initiate slip in adjacent grains. The characteristics of the crack propagation process indicated that plastic flow, albeit localised, precedes fracture.
EFFECTS OF COADSORBED WATER ON THE MOBILITY OF POLYAROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN ZEOLITE Y

Triplet excited states of pyrene, phenanthrene, and naphthalene have been prepared in zeolite KY by pulsed laser excitation and the influence of coadsorbed water on quenching of these triplet states by ferrocene and the immobile ferrocene derivative ferrocenylmethytrimethylammonium cation (FcMN) has been studied by transient absorption spectroscopy. To make these measurements, probe loadings in KY have been kept deliberately low such that quenching involves migration of molecules from one supercage to another. In all cases, maxima in bimolecular triplet quenching rates versus the number of H2O per supercage (Nsc) were observed at Nsc ≈ 4, a value which coincides with the number of H2O molecules that fill the sodalite cages. For pyrene quenching by FcMN, the effect of 4 H2O/sc was particularly dramatic, where the quenching rate increased by 3 orders of magnitude relative to dehydrated KY. Above Nsc = 4, further additions of H2O lowered the rate of quenching. The rate of triplet quenching by FcMN, where que...
Concluding Thoughts and Challenges

This special issue of Management Communication Quarterly mines the rhetorical heritage to explore the challenges facing those who engage in and critique external organizational rhetoric, setting its sights on helping organizations make society a better place to live. Toward this end, rhetoric focuses on strategic communication influences that at their best result from or foster collaborative decisions and cocreated meaning that align stakeholder interests. This special issue demonstrates the eclectic and complex theories, applied contexts, and ongoing arguments needed to weave the fabric of external organizational communication. Over the years, Robert Heath and others have been advocates for drawing judiciously on the rhetorical heritage as guiding foundation for issues management and public relations activities. Rather than merely acknowledge the pragmatic or utilitarian role of discourse, this analysis also aspires to understand and champion its application to socially relevant ends. In that quest, seve...
Retinopathic effects of 2-aminooxy propionic acid derivatives in the rat

Abstract Administration of methyl 2-(ureidooxy) propionate caused retinal lesions in male rats after 21 days of feeding at 2500 ppm (160 mg/kg/day). Retinal lesions were also apparent after 28 days of feeding at 1500 ppm (125 mg/kg/day), after 91 days of feeding at 1000 or 500 ppm (75 or 40 mg/kg/day), and after 10 intragastric intubations of 1000 mg/kg body wt/day. Single oral doses as high as 4000 mg/kg had no effect on the retina. Of three similar compounds tested in 20-day feeding studies for retinopathic activity, p -nitrophenyl 2-(aminooxy) propionate (2500 ppm, 230 mg/kg/day) was inactive. Methyl 2-(cinnamidooxy) propionate and methyl 2-(acetamidooxy) propionate at the same dose and duration produced lesions similar to those with methyl 2-(ureidooxy) propionate but differing in magnitude. With light microscopy, the lesions produced were characterized by focal migrations of the outer nuclear cells into outer photoreceptor segments. This migration appeared to be a result of displacement due to loss of the outer photoreceptor segments, since under electron microscopy, the primary target sites appeared to be the lamellar disks of the outer photoreceptor segments and the inner segments were less damaged. With electron microscopy, photoreceptor nuclei migrated into the area of destroyed outer segments and apposed to the pigment cells. Some photoreceptor nuclei showed pycnosis and karyorrhexis. Retinal pigment cells exhibited disruption of cytoplasmic processes, cytoplasmic vacuolation, and numerous phagosomes which contained the degraded outer photoreceptor segments.
Mixed process IC on SOI wafer for automotive application

Abstract We have developed 0.8 μm SOI BiCDMOS process that includes different types of devices like 35 V Bipolar, 5 V CMOS and 60 V LDMOS. The devices are fabricated on an SOI (Silicon on Insulator) and separated by trench technology to be completely isolated by dielectric oxide. This technology can prevent the formation of any parasitic bipolar transistors which have been the cause of device failures with the conventional junction isolation under the severe environment of automotive application. This technology is one of the most suitable mixed process ICs for vehicles. This report introduces an overview of the process and ICs.
Changes in depression, health anxiety, and pain catastrophizing between enrollment and 1 month after a radius fracture

Objectives To test the difference in symptoms of (1) depression, (2) health anxiety, and (3) catastrophic thinking between 1 and 6 weeks after injury to the radius. Patients and Methods In total, 69 adult patients with a minimally displaced radial head or distal radius fracture were prospectively enrolled. After diagnosis, we recorded demographic variables, 11-point ordinal numerical pain score, and agreement with "no pain, no gain"; Disabilities of the Arms, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire; Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale; the Whiteley Index; and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale. In total, 55 patients (80%) returned after 1 month to reevaluate pain, Disabilities of the Arms, Shoulder, and Hand, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression, Whiteley Index, and Pain Catastrophizing Scale scores. Results Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scores decreased by an average of 5 ± 9 points (p p = 0.0041). In multivariable analysis, decrease in Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression was associated with not having an additional pain condition, more days elapsed between injury and final evaluation, and stronger agreement with "no pain, no gain" (adjusted R 2 = 0.26, p = 0.0006). An increase in Whiteley scores was associated with fewer years of education ( R = −0.34, p = 0.012). Changes in Pain Catastrophizing Scale scores were associated with marital status (single −1.7 ± 4.3 vs married −4.6 ± 6.0 vs separated 0.55 ± 6.2, p = 0.040). Conclusions Symptoms of depression and catastrophic thinking, but not health anxiety, improved during recovery after injury. If psychologic measures are used as a screening tool to predict outcome after treatment, one should account for a patient׳s disease phase. Level of Evidence: Prognostic level I
Craniofacial Maturity and Perceived Personality in Children with Down Syndrome.

Abstract In this pair of studies, we examined whether the common perception of a positive Down syndrome personality is associated with a youthful craniofacial appearance, similar to Zebrowitz's (19...
The neglected tropical diseases and their devastating health and economic impact on the member nations of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference.

Founded in 1969, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) is comprised of 57 nations that together represent the second largest international organization after the United Nations [1]. According to their Web site, the OIC serves as the “collective voice of the Muslim world,” both protecting its interests and settling conflicts and disputes between member states [1]. In addition to several important and prosperous oil- and gas-producing nations in the Middle East, the OIC nations also include some of the world's poorest countries as well as large middle-income countries with regions of great poverty (Figure 1). In these geographic areas of poverty are also found some of the highest infection rates and endemicity of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Shown in Table 1 is the estimated prevalence of six of the most common NTDs among the most populous OIC member states [2]–[8]. Each of the 28 countries listed has a population that exceeds 10 million people; together they account for more than 90% of the populations living in the OIC.
Characterization and Three-Dimensional Structure Determination of ψ-Conotoxin Piiif, a Novel Noncompetitive Antagonist of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors†,‡

A novel inhibitor of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), ψ-conotoxin Piiif, was isolated from the venom of Conus purpurascens and found to have the sequence GOOCCLYGSCROFOGCYNALCCRK-nh2. The sequence is highly homologous to that of ψ-conotoxin Piiie, a previously identified noncompetitive inhibitor of Torpedo electroplax nAChR, also isolated from C. purpurascens. Both ψ-conotoxins block Torpedo and mouse nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), but ψ-Piiif is less potent by a factor of 101−102. A high-resolution structure of ψ-Piiif was determined by NMR and molecular modeling calculations. ψ-Piiif analogues containing [13C]-labeled cysteine at selected positions were synthesized to resolve spectral overlap of Cys side chain proton signals. The structures are well-converged, with backbone atom position RMSDs of 0.21 A for the main body of the peptide between residues 4 and 22 and 0.47 A for all residues. The overall backbone conformation is closely similar to ψ-Piiie, the main difference being ...
Carbon black risk assessment comparison is flawed

Although the effort of Valberg and Watson (1996) to incorporate epidemiologic data into an assessment of the plausibility of carcinogenicity estimates is to be commended, their analysis contains a fundamental flaw. The authors equate comparison of observed rates with expected rates, a common technique in epidemiology, to a comparison of the number of observed events with an expected number of events. The two comparisons are not equivalent. The only circumstance in which they are equivalent is when the same denominator of person-time produces both the observed and the expected events.
Forecasting Decisions in Conflict Situations: A Comparison of Game Theory, Role-Playing, and Unaided Judgment

Can game theory aid in forecasting the decision making of parties in a conflict? A review of the literature revealed diverse opinions but no empirical evidence on this question. When put to the test, game theorists' predictions were more accurate than those from unaided judgement but not as accurate as role-play forecasts. Twenty-one game theorists made 99 forecasts of decisions for six conflict situations. The same situations were described to 290 research participants, who made 207 forecasts using unaided judgement, and to 933 participants, who made 158 forecasts in active role-playing. Averaged across the six situations, 37 percent of the game theorists' forecasts, 28 percent of the unaided-judgement forecasts, and 64 percent of the role-play forecasts were correct.
Role of hypovolemia in the impaired water diuresis of adrenal insufficiency.

ABSTRACT Impaired water diuresis in adrenal insufficiency is rapidly corrected by glucocorticoid. The defect in water excretion has been attributed to hypovolemia consequent to sodium deficit. The role of hypovolemia in this defect was evaluated by observing the effect of corticoids on water diuresis in normal subjects made hypovolemic by sodium depletion. In addition the patterns of diuresis in these subjects were compared with those of patients with adrenal insufficiency maintained on mineralocorticoid but not given glucocorticoid. It was found that hypovolemia significantly impaired water diuresis in normal subjects, but that glucocorticoid had no effect on this change. The impaired water diuresis observed in patients with Addison's disease differed from that of the hypovolemic subjects. In normals made hypovolemic most of the change in water diuresis was due to increased reabsorption of fluid in the proximal nephron. In Addisonians, however, a major portion of the impairment was due to diffusion of wa...
Factors predicting subcutaneous implanted central venous port function: the relationship between catheter tip location and port failure in patients with gynecologic malignancies.

Abstract Objective. We set out to determine the factors that predict subcutaneous implanted central venous port function. Specifically, we sought to determine whether the location of the catheter tip is correlated with port failure. Methods. A review of all gynecologic oncology patients who underwent initial port placement between 1993 and 1998 was undertaken. The initial chest radiograph following port placement was reviewed, and the venous location of the catheter tip was recorded. Patients were followed until port removal, death, or the last documentation of port function. Results. Two hundred thirty-six patients underwent port placement during the study period. The majority of patients (97%) had their port placed for intravenous chemotherapy. The median time of port duration in patients with a functional port was 21.6 months. Forty of the 236 ports (17%) were removed because of device malfunction. Catheter tips were located in the central venous system in 164 (69%) cases and outside of the central venous system in 72 (31%) cases. Removal secondary to malfunction was significantly higher when the catheter tip was located outside of the central venous system (30/72 (42%) versus 10/164 (6%), P = 0.001). By life-table analysis, ports removed for malfunction with their tips located centrally had a significantly longer median duration of functional use than those whose tips were located peripherally (78 versus 44 months, P = 0.0001). Conclusions. The rate of port removal secondary to malfunction is significantly less if the catheter tip is located in the central venous system. Confirmation of the location of the catheter tip is imperative for the long-term function of a subcutaneous implanted central venous port.
Investigation of tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis leakage patterns: patient's self-report versus clinician's confirmation.

Background. This study investigated the patient's self-report and clinician's confirmation of tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis leakage patterns (through or around) with or without the cough reflex and whether prosthesis diameter affected the leakage route. Methods. Sixty-six consecutive participants with a total of 200 patient-initiated reasons for prosthesis changes were en- rolled prospectively. Patient's self-report of leakage and cough reflex were recorded prior to clinician's confirmation. Results. One-hundred eight (54%) of the 200 patient-initi- ated reasons for prosthesis changes were leakage through or around the voice prosthesis. Leakage was unrecognized in 21 (23%) of 92 instances, even though 15 (71%) of those 21 instan- ces exhibited a cough reflex. Clinician's confirmed leakage in 118 (59%) of 200 patient-initiated reasons for prosthesis changes. Coughing occurred significantly less with leakage around (9 (53%) of 17 instances) than that with leakage through the voice prosthesis (80 (88%) of 91 instances) (v 2 (1, N 5 108), p < .05). Leakage around the voice prosthesis occurred more with 20-Fr diameter prostheses (16 (76%) of 21 instances). Conclusions. Patient education is important for reliable iden- tification of leakage for prompt prosthesis replacement. Leakage around the voice prosthesis can be minimized or avoided by ini- tially fitting and continuing the use of smaller diameter (16 Fr) voice prostheses. V C 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 30: 618-621, 2008
Burn Hazards of the Deployed Environment in Wartime: Epidemiology of Noncombat Burns from Ongoing United States Military Operations

Background Service in the deployed military environment carries risks for accidental (noncombat-related) burns. Examining these risks can assist in the development of military burn prevention measures. This study endeavored to examine noncombat burn epidemiology in the context of similar civilian data. Study Design We performed a retrospective cohort study of consecutive casualties evacuated from operational military theaters in Iraq and Afghanistan to the sole tertiary military burn center in the US. Military data were compared with database samples of the US population from the American Burn Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Results The main causes of the 180 noncombat burns seen from March 2003 to June 2008 were waste burning, fuel mishaps, and unintentional ordinance detonations. Overall prevalence of noncombat burns was 19.5 burns/100,000 person-years lived. If causes specific to military operations are removed, military prevalence was 13.0/100,000. More than one-third of noncombat burns occurred in the first year of the study; a period of stability followed. A similar US population had an accidental burn prevalence of 7.1/100,000 from 2003 to 2007. Burn size, presence of inhalation injury, and burn center mortality were not different from those in a similar civilian cohort. Conclusions Deployed service members have a greater risk of unintentional burns than a similar civilian cohort does. This is in part because of the specific dangers of military activities. More attention to deployed military burn prevention is needed, especially early in combat support operations.
A modified contractive model predictive control approach

In this paper we revisit the contractive model predictive control framework and propose a new contractive constraint, which depending on selected candidate Lyapunov function and contracting factor can guarantee different types of system's stability. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the effect of the proposed contractive scheme.
Total Synthesis of Gracilioether F: Development and Application of Lewis Acid Promoted Ketene-Alkene [2+2] Cycloadditions and Late-Stage CH Oxidation

The first synthesis of gracilioether F, a polyketide natural product with an unusual tricyclic core and five contiguous stereocenters, is described. Key steps of the synthesis include a Lewis acid promoted ketene–alkene [2+2] cycloaddition and a late-stage carboxylic acid directed C(sp3)H oxidation. The synthesis requires only eight steps from norbornadiene.
Does stress damage the brain? : understanding trauma-related disorders from a mind-body perspective

Can what you see, hear, feel, and experience actually result in a permanent change in your brain? This provocative question arose from research discoveries by J. Douglas Bremner and others that showed that extreme stress might result in lasting damage to the brain. Anyone who has experienced even moderate stress in their life will benefit from the insights in this clearly written, accessible book.
Low-temperature oxidation of ammonia in fixed and fluidized beds

The oxidation of ammonia in the presence of manganous oxide-bismuth oxide catalyst supported on small alumina spheres was studied in both fixed and fluidized beds in the temperature range from 205° to 250°C. The column used was 4½ in. in diameter and 43 in. high. The experiments were made so that the transport effects in the fluidized bed might be separated from the chemical kinetic effects. In accordance with the theory of two-phase fluidization proposed in a previous paper, comparison is made between the reaction rate associated with the discontinuous phase and that associated with the continuous phase as estimated from the results in the fixed bed. The over-all reaction-rate constants in the fluidized bed can be related to those in the fixed bed by an exponential term in the superficial gas velocity, Vn; n is a constant which depends on the reaction system and the size and type of the reactor.
The Geography of the Mathematics Research Collaboration Graph

Social networks have become a hot topic for research in the last decade or so. I study one such network in considerable detail: the graph of research collaborations among mathematicians. This graph displays many of the characteristics that various authors have found common to social networks in general. My “geographical” analysis includes the size of this graph, the distribution of the degrees of its vertices, its connectivity, the distances between its vertices, and its clustering coefficient. I also discuss the playful concept of Erdős numbers. Las redes sociales se han convertido en un tema de gran interes de investigacion durante la ultima decada mas o menos. El autor analiza una de esas redes a detalle: el grafo de las colaboraciones de investigacion entre matematicos. Este grafo muestra muchas de las caracteristicas comunes que varios autores han encontrado en redes sociales en general. El analisis “geografico” incluye el tamano de este grafo, la distribucion de los grados de sus vertices, su conectividad, las distancias entre sus vertices, y su coeficiente de concentracion o clustering. El estudio tambien trata el concepto ludico de los numeros de Erdos. 社会网络已成为近十年来研究的热点。作者详尽地研究了数学家间研究合作图。该图显示了不同作者间常拥有一般社会网络共有的许多特性。本文的地理分析包括图的大小、顶点的分布度与连结性，不同边之间的距离以及聚类指数。同时还讨论了有趣的Erdős 数的概念。
Synthesizing energy minimizing quantum-dot cellular automata circuits for vision computing

We harness the energy minimization aspects of the quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) computing model to synthesize QCA circuits to solve the vision problem of perceptual grouping. Unlike logic computing, vision computing problems are error-tolerant, but are hard to solve on existing computing platforms. The cost of failure of not finding the optimal solution is not high; even solutions that are close to optimal can suffice. The problem of perceptual grouping concerns with selecting, based on Gestaltic perceptual cues, salient subsets of low-level features, such as straight line boundary segments, that are most likely to belong to objects in the scene. We formulate a method to map this problem, which can be cast in terms of energy minimization, onto an arrangement of QCA cells. The QCA cells correspond to the straight lines, and the kink energies between them model the Gestaltic cue affinities. The magnitude of the polarizations of the QCA cells denote the saliency of the corresponding image features. We use classical multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) to synthesize the QCA cell layout. We demonstrate the ability of this arrangement to compute salient groups in real images by simulating the QCA layout using iterative, self consistent analysis, based on the Hartree-Fock approximation.
Six-DoF Haptic Rendering of Contact Between Geometrically Complex Reduced Deformable Models

Real-time evaluation of distributed contact forces between rigid or deformable 3D objects is a key ingredient of 6-DoF force-feedback rendering. Unfortunately, at very high temporal rates, there is often insufficient time to resolve contact between geometrically complex objects. We propose a spatially and temporally adaptive approach to approximate distributed contact forces under hard real-time constraints. Our method is CPU based, and supports contact between rigid or reduced deformable models with complex geometry. We propose a contact model that uses a point-based representation for one object, and a signed-distance field for the other. This model is related to the voxmap pointshell method (VPS), but gives continuous contact forces and torques, enabling stable rendering of stiff penalty-based distributed contacts. We demonstrate that stable haptic interactions can be achieved by point-sampling offset surfaces to input "polygon soup'' geometry using particle repulsion. We introduce a multi-resolution nested pointshell construction which permits level-of-detail contact force computation, and enables contact graceful degradation in close-proximity scenarios. Parametrically deformed distance fields are proposed to support contact between reduced deformable objects. We present several examples of 6-DoF haptic rendering of geometrically complex rigid and deformable objects in distributed contact at real-time kilohertz rates.
Design considerations for distributed micro-storage systems in residential applications

This paper presents some design considerations for distributed micro-storage systems in residential applications. In this paper, the term “micro-storage” refers to small residential energy storage units with a capacity of few kilowatt-hours. Generally, energy storage systems enhance the performance of distributed renewable generation systems and increase the efficiency of the entire power system. Energy storage allows for leveling the load, shaving peak demands, and furthermore, transacting power with the utility grid. Different micro-storage system architectures as well as analysis of system sizing are discussed in the paper. In addition, different energy storage technologies, inverter design considerations, and smart grid integration issues will be also presented.
A 1.5 Å resolution X-ray structure of the catalytic module of Caldicellulosiruptor bescii family 3 pectate lyase.

A 1.5 A resolution X-ray structure of the catalytic module of Caldicellulosi­ruptor bescii family 3 pectate lyase is reported (PDB entry 3t9g). The resulting structure was refined to an R factor of 0.143 and an Rfree of 0.178. Structural analysis shows that this new structure is very similar to the previously solved structure of a family 3 pectate lyase from Bacillus sp. strain KSM-P15 (PDB entry 1ee6), with a root-mean-square deviation of 0.93 A and a sequence identity of 53%. This structural similarity is significant considering that C. bescii is a hyperthermophile and Bacillus sp. is a mesophile.
Plants Versus Animals: Do They Deal with Stress in Different Ways?

SYNOPSIS. Both plants and animals respond to stress by using adaptations that help them evade, tolerate, or recover from stress. In a synthetic paper A. D. Bradshaw (1972) noted that basic biological differences between plants and animals will have diverse evolutionary consequences, including those influencing how they deal with stress. For instance, Bradshaw argued that animals, because they have relatively well-developed sensory and locomotor capacities, can often use behavior and movement to evade or ameliorate environmental stresses. In contrast, he predicted that plants will have to emphasize increased physiological tolerance or phenotypic plasticity, and also that plants should suffer stronger selection and show more marked differentiation along environmental gradients. Here we briefly review the importance of behavior in mitigating stress, the behavioral capacities of animals and plants, and examples of plant responses that are functionally similar to behaviors of animals. Next, we try to test some of Bradshaw’s predictions. Unfortunately, critical data often proved non-comparable: plant and animal biologists often study different stressors (e.g., water versus heat) and measure different traits (photosynthesis versus locomotion). Nevertheless, we were able to test some of Bradshaw’s predictions and some related ones of our own. As Bradshaw predicted, the phenology of plants is more responsive to climate shifts than is that of animals and the microdistributions of non-mobile, intertidal invertebrates (‘‘plant’’ equivalents) are more sensitive to temperature than are those of mobile invertebrates. However, mortality selection is actually weaker for plants than for animals. We hope that our review not only redraws attention to some fascinating issues Bradshaw raised, but also encourages additional tests of his predictions. Such tests should be informative.
Ceruminous adenocarcinoma: An analysis of the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database.

Abstract Objectives Ceruminous adenocarcinoma is a rare malignancy. However, due to the paucity of cases, this has been difficult to study. Using a population-based national database, patient demographics and survival trends were analyzed to further elucidate the management of this malignancy. Methods The SEER database was queried for patients diagnosed with ceruminous adenocarcinoma between 1973 and 2010. Results Twenty-two patients were identified in the database. The average age of diagnosis was between 60 and 64 years. All of the patients underwent surgical resection of the primary malignancy. Eight patients (36%) also had postoperative radiation. Conclusions Ceruminous adenocarcinoma is uncommon but may not have as poor a prognosis as previously thought. Surgical resection alone appears to be a reasonable treatment option. Larger prospective studies are needed, but database analysis like this may provide clarity on the management of uncommon diseases.
Mixed Cryoglobulinemia (MC) Cross-Reactive Idiotypes (CRI): Structural and Clinical Significance

A review of mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) cross-reactive idiotypes (CRI) published 20 years ago (Sem Hematol 28, 79–94, 1991) is updated to include information regarding the structural correlates of these CRIs, prevalence and expression on specific B-cell subsets in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and the occurrence of lymphoproliferative diseases complicating MC, HCV, and primary Sjogren’s syndrome (SS). MC occurring in association with HCV or primary SS shares selective usage of specific V-region H-chain (V1-69; V3-7; V4-59) and/or κ L-chain (V3-20; V3-15) genes, expression of which has been correlated with polyclonal (Wa) or monoclonal (Ccl-1; Lcl-1; G6; G8; 17.109) antibodies to MC CRIs expressed on CD27+ memory B cells in the peripheral blood of patients productively infected by HCV. In HCV, the expression of MC CRIs recognized by monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to these idiotypes may be expanded on specific B-cell subsets or may provide a marker for coexistent lymphoproliferative disease, both of which may regress with clearance of the virus. In other instances, MC CRI and cryoglobulinemia may persist even after successful antiviral therapy. The full utility of antibodies to MC CRIs for diagnosis and treatment remains to be defined.
HYDROLOGY, FLOODS AND DROUGHTS | Overview

This article is a reproduced from the previous edition, volume 3, pp 968–973, © 2003, Elsevier Ltd.
Appropriate Technology: A Modest Proposal

Appropriate technology implies subjective suitability evaluation of technical solutions to social requirements. Informed and critical evaluation is necessary if technology is to respond adequately to changing social needs. The training of engineers is largely directed toward physical, not social, descriptions of problems. It is proposed that an exposure to engineering applications in developing nations be included in North American engineering professional development. This exposure should not be at the expense of proper theoretical analysis. This exposure will impart some implicit understanding of engineering's common role but diverse contribution in alternative social settings. Engineers aware of and interested in technical solutions appropriate to other cultures will be better prepared to innovate engineering practice in accord with social development in their own society. Engineers aware of social-technical solutions to other cultures will be better equipped to lend their services to those societies.
Social media engagement and public health communication: implications for public health organizations being truly "social".

Social media are designed to be engaging, but often are used as a mechanism by public health organizations and practitioners for mass information dissemination rather than engaging audiences in true multi-way conversations and interactions. In this article we define and discuss social media engagement for public health communication. We examine different levels of engagement for public health communication and consider the potential risks, benefits, and challenges of truly embracing the social component in public health practice. Some implications of engagement for public health communication via social media are addressed, and recommendations for future work and research are proposed.
Forced Vibrations of Continuous Beams

The determination of the forced oscillations of a continuous beam due to an exciting force is presented in this paper. The procedure requires only a knowledge of the eigenfunctions and eigenvalues ...