cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mutational analysis of the central domain of adenovirus virus-associated RNA mandates a revision of the proposed secondary structure

Protein synthesis in adenovirus-infected cells is regulated during the late phase of infection. The rate of initiation is maintained by a small viral RNA, virus-associated (VA) RNAI, which prevents the phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor eIF-2 by a double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase, DAI. On the basis of nuclease sensitivity analysis, a secondary-structure model was proposed for VA RNA. The model predicts a complex stem-loop structure in the central part of the molecule, the central domain, joining two duplexed stems. The central domain is required for the inhibition of DAI activation and participates in the binding of VA RNA to DAI. To assess the significance of the postulated stem-loop structure in the central domain, we generated compensating, deletion, and substitution mutations. A substitution mutation which disrupts the structure in the central domain abolishes VA RNA function in vitro and in vivo. Base-compensating mutations failed to restore the function or structure of the mutant, implying that the stem-loop structure may not exist. To confirm this observation, we tested mutants with alterations in the hypothetical loop and short stem that constitute the main features of the wild-type model structure. The upper part of the hypothetical loop could be deleted without abolishing the ability of the RNA to block DAI activation in vitro, whereas other loop mutations were deleterious for function and caused major rearrangements in the molecule. Base-compensating mutations in the stem did not restore the expected base pairing, even though the mutant RNAs were still functional in vitro. Surprisingly, a mutant with a noncompensating substitution mutation in the stem was more effective than wild-type VA RNAI in DAI inhibition assays but was ineffective in vivo. The structural and functional consequences of these mutations do not support the proposed model structure for the central domain, and we therefore suggest an alternative structure in which tertiary interactions may play a significant role in shaping the specificity of VA RNA function in the infected cell. Discrepancies between the functionality of mutant forms of VA RNA in vivo and in vitro are consistent with the existence of additional roles for VA RNA in the cell.
Tetanic stimulation induces short-term potentiation of inhibitory synaptic activity in the rostral nucleus of the solitary tract

Grabauskas, Gintautas and Robert M. Bradley. Tetanic stimulation induces short-term potentiation of inhibitory synaptic activity in the rostral nucleus of the solitary tract. J. Neurophysiol. 79: 5...
Relationship between backfat thickness of sows during late gestation and reproductive efficiency at different parities

AbstractThe present study investigated the impact of sow backfat (BF) thickness at d 109 of gestation (≤10, 11 to 12, 13 to 14, 15 to 16, 17 to 18, 19 to 20, 21 to 22, 23 to 24, 25 to 26 and ≥27 mm) at different parities (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and ≥8) on sow and piglet performance based on records from 11,536 farrowings of 2875 sows. For each parity, an increase in sow BF thickness at d 109 of gestation was associated with (1) a linear decrease (P < 0.05) in sow daily feed intake, (2) a linear increase (P < 0.05) in losses of maternal BF thickness and body weight during the lactation period, and BF gain from weaning to d 109 of subsequent gestation, and (3) a concave down quadratic change (P < 0.05) in litter size and litter gain at weaning.
Creating and maintaining oral health for dependent people in institutional settings

The absolute number and percentage of the population of dependent individuals in institutional settings are growing dramatically in the United States. The current dominant office-based oral health delivery system is not adequately addressing the oral health needs of these populations and is unlikely to do so in the future. There are multiple challenges in providing oral health services for dependent people in institutional settings. To achieve improvements in the oral health of these populations, we must change the education of oral health professionals, educate staff in institutional settings about oral health, integrate oral health activities into general health and social service systems, use existing oral health professionals in new ways in community settings, develop new categories of oral health professionals, and reform oral health delivery and reimbursement systems. Developing new models of oral health services for dependent individuals in institutional settings may provide an opportunity to create a new paradigm of care based on integration of oral health services with general health and social services with an emphasis on prevention and health promotion activities.
Reconfigurable cyclical patch antenna

The design of a reconfigurable cyclical printed antenna is discussed in this paper. The antenna's topology allows a wide bandwidth of operation and an ability for radiation pattern reconfiguration.. The antenna is designed at Ka-band, with different modes of radiation pattern characteristics. The different operational states reshape the radiation beam and redirect major radiation pattern lobes towards desired directions. The antenna is proposed for radar applications where such reconfigurable characteristic is desired.
* Cu 0 : A metastable configuration of the { Cu s , Cu i } pair in Si

First-principles theory shows that the substitutional-interstitial copper pair in Si (Si-${\mathrm{Cu}}_{s}\ensuremath{\cdots}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{i}$) has a metastable state with ${\mathrm{Cu}}_{i}$ very near a tetrahedral interstitial site in a trigonal ${\mathrm{Cu}}_{s}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{Si}\ensuremath{\cdots}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{i}$ configuration that exhibits three low-frequency pseudolocal vibrational modes. The lowest of them, at $40\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, has ${A}_{1}$ symmetry and is the likely source of the phonon sidebands observed at $52\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ in the photoluminescence band of a defect known as $^{*}\mathrm{Cu}_{0}$.
A CLASS OF SU(n) CROSSING MATRICES.

Abstract A simple expression is derived for the meson-baryon scattering, u -channel crossing matrix, when the mesons are associated with the regular representation of SU ( n ), and the baryons with any representation for which the MBB interaction is unique. The crossing matrix elements are ratios of simple polynomials. Many of the techniques employed are useful for studying other crossing matrices as well.
Theoretical modeling and experimental evaluation of a microscale molecular mass sensor.

A theoretical model for a recently developed microscale molecular mass sensor (μ-MMS) is presented. The μ-MMS employs a widely applicable technique of measuring the refractive index gradient (RIG) in a microchannel created after two adjacent streams merge: a “sample stream” containing analyte(s) of interest in a host solvent and a “mobile-phase” stream containing only the host solvent. Because the flow in the microchannel is laminar, the analytes in the sample stream mix with the mobile-phase stream primarily by diffusion. The diffusion-induced RIG in the microchannel is measured by monitoring the deflection angle of a diode laser probe beam, which is orthogonal to both the direction of flow and the direction of analyte diffusion. The μ-MMS samples the RIG with probe beams at two positions along the direction of flow, and the ratio of the downstream to the upstream signal monitors the diffusion coefficient. Following calibration for a given class of compounds, the molecular mass of an analyte of interest...
Is demand for polluting goods manageable? an econometric study of car ownership and use in Mexico

Abstract Our motivation for estimating a demand system for gasoline and cars is its strategic relevance to policy objectives such as pollution control: if demand is responsive to pricing, demand reductions for polluting goods will provide an important share of the pollution reductions; otherwise, cleaner technologies will have to do most of the job. We estimate a model of gasoline demand and car ownership in Mexico, using a panel of annual observations by state. Key features that we introduce include instrumental variables on differenced data and the treatment of possible dynamics, measurement errors in the data, and unobserved individual state characteristics. We use tests of serial correlation in the a residuals to model the dynamics properly. The resulting demand system is quite responsive to pricing even in the short term (−0.6 for the own-price elasticity of gasoline), but we emphasize a medium- to long-term perspective of 5–10 years as most relevant for policy Five- to ten-year elasticity estimates are in the range of −1.25 to −1.13. Applying these elasticity estimates to data on pollution control options for the vehicle fleet in Mexico City, the costs of reaching a target for pollution reductions would be 45% more expensive if one were not willing to use a demand management instrument such a gasoline tax in the control program.
N-Acetylaspartylglutamate immunoreactivity in human retina

The acidic dipeptide N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG), which satisfies many of the criteria for a neurotransmitter, was identified immunohistochemically within two human retinae. We observed NAAG immunoreactivity in retinal ganglion cells, their dendrites in the inner plexiform layer, and their axons in the optic nerve fiber layer. The vast majority of ganglion cells were stained, including displaced ganglion cells, ganglion cells of different sizes, and those whose dendrites arborized in the inner and outer sublaminae of the inner plexiform layer, that is, presumed On- and Off- cells. The sizes of labeled and unlabeled cells in the ganglion cell layer, as measured in counterstained material, suggest that the unlabeled cells consist primarily or only of displaced amacrine cells. We also saw immunoreactivity in small cells along the inner margin of the inner nuclear layer, presumably amacrine cells, and in small cells with little cytoplasm in the inner plexiform and ganglion cell layers, presumably displaced amacrine cells. These results are consistent with a role for NAAG in the transmission of visual information from the retina to the rest of the brain. Further, they are similar to those reported previously in rat, cat and monkey, thus demonstrating the relevance of previous studies to humans.
Ferroelastic phase transition and phonons in a diatomic-molecular monolayer

Using a constant-pressure molecular-dynamics simulation, we have investigated the thermodynamics and the dynamics of a two-dimensional diatomic-molecular monolayer undergoing a ferroelastic phase transition. This system closely resembles the delta phase of oxygen molecules adsorbed on a graphite surface. For Lennard-Jones parameters appropriate for the oxygen molecules, we find a first-order transition from an orientationally ordered distorted triangular structure (ferro- elastic phase) to an orientationally disordered equilateral triangular structure (paraelastic phase). The transition temperature is 20.1 K compared with 26 K for oxygen on graphite (coverage approx. =8 molecules (100 A/sup 2/ )) and the entropy associated with this transition is 0.88k/sub B/. The orientational diffusion constant increases by a factor of 30 at the transition. In addition, there is a strong softening of the elastic constants near the transition, particularly in the paraelastic phase; this can be understood in terms of translation-rotation coupling. Comparison between phonon frequencies for certain symmetry directions obtained by using quasiharmonic approximation and molecular-dynamics simulation clearly shows the presence of large anharmonicity effects in the paraelastic phase. A rapid quench from the high-temperature phase to very low temperatures indicates the presence of small clusters (consisting of 6--12 molecules) with both ferroelastic and herringbone ordering. In addition,more » we find a large density of equilateral triangular plaquettes. These give rise to a three-peak structure in the center-of-mass radial distribution function.« less
Percutaneous absorption of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid from soil with respect to soil load and skin contact time : In vivo absorption in rhesus monkey and in vitro absorption in human skin

The herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), used for control of weeds in agriculture, forestry, and rights of way, can accumulate as a residual chemical in soil. The objective was to determ ine percutaneous absorption of 2,4-D from soil, with emphasis on soil load and skin contact time. With control acetone vehicle, in vivo absorption of 2,4-D in the rhesus monkey was 8.6 +/- 2.1% of the dose, which compared closely to published human absorption of 6.0 +/- 2.4%. Percutaneous absorption from soil loads of 1 and 40 mg/cm2 were 9.8 +/- 4.0 and 15.9 +/- 4.7%, respectively, values similar to acetone vehicle. In vitro absorption in human skin calculated from skin content accumulation over 24 h was 1.8 +/1.7, 1.7 +/- 1.3, and 1.4 +/- 1.2% for soil loads of 5, 10, and 40 mg/cm2, respectively. Thus, soil load did not affect 24-h percutaneous absorption. Current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended calculated reductions due to soil load are not supported by these results with 2,4-D. Percutane...
Correlation between rpoB gene mutation in Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis and clinical rifabutin and rifampicin resistance for treatment of Crohn's disease

AIM: To investigate overlapping regions of the rpoB gene previously involved with rifamycin resistance in M. tuberculosis and seek correlation between rpoB mutations in clinical MAP strains with susceptibility to RIF and RFB. METHODS: We designed a molecular-based PCR method for the evaluation of rifabutin (RFB) and rifampicin (RIF) resistance based on probable determinant regions within the rpoB gene of MAP, including the 81 bp variable site located between nucleotides 1363 and 1443. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for RIF was also determined against 11 MAP isolates in attempt to seek correlation with rpoB sequences. RESULTS: We determined that MAP strain 18 had an MIC of > 30 mg/L and ≤ 5 mg/L for RIF and RFB respectively, and a significant and novel rpoB mutation C1367T, compared to an MIC of ≤ 1.0 mg/L for both drugs in the wild type MAP. The 30-fold increase in the MIC was a direct result of the rpoB mutation C1367T, which caused an amino acid change Thr456 to Ile456 in the drug’s binding site. In addition, MAP strain 185 contained five silent rpoB mutations and exhibited an MIC comparable to the wild-type. Moreover, our in vitro selected mutation in MAP strain UCF5 resulted in the generation of a new resistant strain (UCF5-RIF16r) that possessed T1442C rpoB mutation and an MIC > 30 mg/L and > 10 mg/L for RIF and RFB respectively. Sequencing of the entire rpoB gene in MAP strains UCF4, 18, and UCF5-RIF16r revealed an rpoB mutation A2284C further downstream of the 81 bp variable region in UCF4, accounting for observed slight increase in MIC. In addition, no other significant mutations were found in strains 18 and UCF-RIF16r. CONCLUSION: The data clearly illustrates that clinical and in vitro-selected MAP mutants with rpoB mutations result in resistance to RIF and RFB, and that a single amino acid change in the beta subunit may have a significant impact on RIF resistance. Unconventional drug susceptibility testing such as our molecular approach will be beneficial for evaluation of antibiotic effectiveness. This molecular approach may also serve as a model for other drugs used for treatment of MAP infections.
Directive properties of antennas for transmission into a material half-space

The directive properties of antennas for transmission into a material half-space are investigated. In a practical situation, the antennas might be located in air with the directive transmission into the earth. The field of a general antenna over the half-space is expressed as a spectrum of plane waves. The integrals representing the field are evaluated asymptotically to obtain the "geometrical optics" field of the antenna, and this field is used to define quantities that describe the directive properties of the antenna (pattern function, gain, and directivity). Numerical results are presented for infinitesimal electric and magnetic horizontal dipole antennas in a dielectric half-space, region 1, with directive transmission into the adjacent dielectric half-space, region 2, and the ratio of permittivities \epsilon_{2}/\epsilon_{1} greater than one. The theory for the infinitesimal dipoles completely explains the directive properties previously obtained for the resonant circular-loop antenna over a material half-space. Measured field patterns and gains for dipole and loop antennas near an interface between air and fresh water are in good agreement with the theory.
The politics of global economic relations

1. Introduction: Economic Transformations and World Politics. 2. World Trade Dilemmas. 3. The Global Monetary Order: Interdependence and Dominance. 4. The Multinational Corporation: Challenge to the International System. 5. Aid Relations Between Rich and Poor States. 6. Technology and International Relations. 7. Strategies for States in the Periphery of the Global Economy. 8. Foreign Economic Policy Making in the United States. 9. The International Political Economy: Contemporary Trends.
Optical rotatory dispersion and spectral data of some steroidal ring D ketol acetates of the 14β-series

Die optische Rotationsdispersion sowie die UV- und IR-Spektren der Epimeren von 17-Acetoxy-16-keto-bzw. 16-Acetoxy-17-keto-14β-steroiden wurden gemessen. Mogliche Beziehungen zwischen Rotationsdispersion und Stereochemie der untersuchten Verbindungen werden diskutiert.
Association of mood disturbance and arrhythmia events in patients after cardioverter defibrillator implantation.

Background: Life stresses and negative emotions, such as anxiety and depression, are associated with adverse cardiac events, including arrhythmia. Patients undergoing implantation of an automatic internal cardioverter defibrillator provide a unique opportunity to characterize these relationships since all tachyarrhythmia episodes are recorded by the device. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the association of emotional status after internal cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation and subsequent arrhythmia events. Methods: An analysis of data obtained in a prospective longitudinal study of responses to the ICD measured mood disturbance (Profile of Mood States; POMS) before implant and at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively. Subjects included 144 men and 32 women with a mean age of 60 ± 13 years and a mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 33± 12%. Arrhythmia events were measured by self-report of shocks and by ICD device interrogation to obtain the number and type (defibrillation, cardioversion, and antitachycardia pacing) of therapies delivered by the ICD. For each time point, POMS scores of subjects who had arrhythmia events were compared with those who did not. For subjects who had ICD shocks, pre-event and post-event POMS scores were also compared. Multiple logistic regression was used at each time point to determine if clinical, demographic and psychological data could predict arrhythmia events. Results: Patients with arrhythmia events had higher POMS scores throughout the 9 months of follow-up. Higher level of mood disturbance (specifically anxiety, fatigue, and confusion) at 1 and 3 months were independent predictors of subsequent arrhythmia events at 3 and 6 months after controlling for LVEF, the presence of coronary artery disease, pre-implant arrhythmia history, and the use of amiodarone and beta-blocking agents. There were no differences in POMS scores before and after ICD shocks, reinforcing the notion that negative emotions were a cause, rather than a consequence, of arrhythmia events.
Threshold energy dependence as a function of potential strength and the nonexistence of bound states

The difficulty in attempting to prove that a given set of particles cannot form a bound state is the absence of a margin of error; the possibility of a bound state of arbitrarily small binding energy must be ruled out. At the sacrifice of rigor, one can hope to bypass the difficulty by studying the ground-state energy $E(\ensuremath{\lambda})$ associated with $H(\ensuremath{\lambda})\ensuremath{\equiv}{H}_{\mathrm{true}}+{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{v}$, where ${H}_{\mathrm{true}}$ is the true Hamiltonian, $v$ is an artificial attractive potential, and $\ensuremath{\lambda}g0$. $E(\ensuremath{\lambda})$ can be estimated via a Rayleigh-Ritz calculation. If ${H}_{\mathrm{true}}$ falls just short of being able to support a bound state, $H(\ensuremath{\lambda})$ for $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ "not too small" will support a bound state of some significant binding. A margin of error is thereby created; the inability to find a bound state for $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ "not too small" suggests not only that $H(\ensuremath{\lambda})$ can support at best a weakly bound state but that ${H}_{\mathrm{true}}$ cannot support a bound state at all. To give the argument real substance, we study $E(\ensuremath{\lambda})$ in the neighborhood of $\ensuremath{\lambda}={\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{0}$, the (unknown) smallest value of $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ for which $H(\ensuremath{\lambda})$ can support a bound state. A comparison of $E(\ensuremath{\lambda})$ determined numerically with the form of $E(\ensuremath{\lambda})$ obtained with the use of a crude bound-state wave function in the Feynman theorem gives a rough self-consistency check. One thereby obtains a believable lower bound on the energy of a possible bound state of ${H}_{\mathrm{true}}$ or a believable argument that no such bound state exists. The method is applied to the triplet state of ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$.
Insect flotsam: an unstudied marine resource

. 1. Insect flotsam was obtained from marine pleuston samples from the English Channel (U. K.), off the Oregon coast (U. S. A.), and in the Gulf of California (Mexico). 2. Only ten orders of insects were represented, Coleoptera, Diptera and Homoptera being the most abundant. 3. Staphylinidae and Chironomidae were the most abundantly represented families taken from the English Channel, comprising 43% and 18% respectively of total insects sampled. 4. Aphididae comprised 39% of the Oregon Coast samples. 5. Aphididae (42%) and Cicadellidae (17%) accounted for 59% of the insects in the Gulf of California. 6. Fish may feed on surface insects at night and this may account for the lower numbers found in early morning samples.
Further data concerning the distribution of water vapour in the stratosphere

The variation of the infra-red solar spectrum with altitude was observed during a balloon flight made on 24 March 1964, from Alamogordo, New Mexico. A water vapour mixing ratio profile determined on the basis of the variation with altitude of the infra-red solar spectrum in the vicinity of 3,854 cm−1 during this flight is presented. This profile is in agreement with the view that the mixing ratio in the vicinity of the tropopause is about 2.10−6 g g−1; however, it also indicates that the mixing ratio increases again above 65,000 ft.
Towards optimization and characterization of dye-embedded gold nanoparticle clusters for multiplexed optical imaging

Metallic nanoparticle clusters coupling strong surface plasmons with a Raman reporter molecule have been developed for application in multiplexed optical imaging. Of interest to our work is the ability of the agents to serve as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) probes. We present the seed-mediated synthesis and characterization of rhodamine B isothiocyante Au nanoparticle clusters (RhB-AuNPCs). RhB-AuNPCs are anisotropic structures which contain the Raman reporter, RhB, embedded between a gold aggregate core and gold surface layer. In contrast to typical SERS studies, the Raman signal originates from the probe (RhB-AuNPCs) and not from RhB incubated with a noble metal colloid. Characterization of the probes' optical properties is presented. The overall goal of our study is to prepare probes that may be used for the identification and spectroscopic labeling of multiple molecular biomarkers utilizing SERS imaging.
The Cooperating Teacher As Most Significant Other: A Competent Humanist

(1982). The Cooperating Teacher As Most Significant Other: A Competent Humanist. Action in Teacher Education: Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 57-64.
Benzyladenine induces foliar adventitious shoot formation on young plants of two sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) cultivars

Benzyladenine (BA) at concentrations from 33–2000 mg/l caused development of adventitious shoots on subsequent leaves of sugarbeet plants when sprayed once onto cotyledon-stage seedlings. Cultivar EL44 produced more adventitious shoots and greater fresh weight reduction in response to BA treatment than cultivar EL40. Related anomalies caused by BA included dissected leaves, and bumps and rods on petioles.
The priestly voice

Public communication may be said to be either priestly or bardic. Rhetoric, when it is bardic, gives voice to a body of meanings already at work in the consciousness of its audience. The priestly voice is didactic, attempting to bring institutionally authorized meanings to an initiate audience. The bardic voice is the voice of its auditors. The priestly voice is the voice of an institution calling proselytes into its ranks. An important place to look for the priestly voice is in the public discourse of contemporary scientists.
Tribology Issues in the Operation of a Microswitch: A Tutorial

Microswitches have the potential to be used in numerous applications [1]. Microswitches are slower and currently less reliable than semiconductor switches. However they have the advantage of reduced power consumption, less insertion loss, and better isolation. The operation of a microswitch involves many interesting phenomena which will be reviewed. In an electrostatically actuated switch a voltage difference is applied between the beam and the gate. The resulting electrostatic force pulls the beam toward the gate such that its tip contacts the drain and completes the circuit. However the momentum of the beam causes it to deflect further, even after the tip is in contact with the drain. This stored elastic energy can be sufficient to cause the tip to separate from the drain resulting in what is often referred to as “contact bounce” [2]. Contact bounce causes several problems. First the switch cannot be used until the bouncing has stopped, thus increasing the effective time-to-closure. Second the tip and drain are subjected to more mechanical open-close contacts than are intended. Third the impact force between the tip and drain can be several times greater than the force in the closed position. These last two phenomena can prematurely degrade the contact surfaces. Attempts have been made to tailor the actuation voltage in order to reduce both the impact force and contact bounce [3]. Switches can fail in either of two failure modes. In one mode the contact resistance decreases with cycling. This behavior, while seemingly not a problem, is symptomatic of the contact being cleaned due to repeated contacts (i.e. “contact scrub” as it is known in the industry). As the resistance decreases the force of adhesion increases between these clean metal-to-metal contacts, eventually causing the switch to stick shut when the restoring force in the beam is insufficient to pull the contacts apart [4]. Another failure mechanism is a steady increase in contact resistance until the point at which the switch is no longer useable. These failures are attributable to the growth of contamination in the form of a friction polymer on the contacting surfaces [5]. Another measure of switch performance is intermodulation distortion which quantifies the distortion of a pair of harmonic RF signals with nearly equal frequencies. The beating between two such components causes the power to vary relatively slowly, i.e. at the beat frequency. This beat frequency may be sufficiently close to the thermal response time of the switch leading to distortion and false signals in the frequency range of interest [6].Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Infrared absorption and differential scanning calorimetry studies of sodium tungstate dihydrate glasses containing iron oxide

Abstract A series of glass specimen [Na 2 WO 4 .2H 2 O] 1−x [Fe 2 O 3 ] x with x = 0, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25 were prepared. The infrared absorption spectra of these sodium tungstate dihydrate glass specimens containing iron oxide have been studied as a function of iron oxide. It was found that the addition of Fe 2 O 3 introduced a new absorption band at 1425 cm [1] not present in the infrared spectrum of a pure (Na 2 WO 4 2H 2 O) glass sample. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements showed endothermal reactions varing from 117 °C to 130 °C depending on the Fe 2 O 3 concentration.
Patterning and Development of the Atrioventricular Canal in Zebrafish

Proper atrioventricular canal (AVC) patterning and subsequent valvulogenesis is a complex process, and defects can result in disease or early death. The zebrafish Danio rerio has become a useful model system for studying AVC development, and much progress has been made in dissecting out the critical steps. Here, we review the recent advances in the field and highlight the cellular and molecular changes observed during zebrafish AVC development.
Dynamic Three-Dimensional X-Ray Computed Tomography of the Heart, Lungs, and Circulation

High temporal resolution, full threedimensional imaging of the heart, lungs and circulation is required for accurate basic physiological studies of the structural-tofunctional relationships of these organ systems, and for improved diagnostic evaluation atid treatment of patients inflicted with disorders of the vital life processes for which these organ systems arp responsible. Current generation CT scanners cannot provide these important capabilities due to their limited axial scan range and relatively slow scan speeds. Gated CT scan techniques to produce dynamic images of single cross sections of the heart and lungs during an "average" heart beat or respiratory cycle are based on assumptions of physiological stationarity, which is very difficult to obtain even by invasive techniques, and which almost certainly does not occur spontaneously in patients with cardiac or pulmonary disease. Reproducibility of breath-holding procedures to obtain multiple thoracic (heart) cross sections from successive scans ig similarly very difficult to achieve. And the certain non-reproducibility of injected circulatory indicators throughout the body yields CT gating techniques invalid for imaging of vascular anatomy or the simultaneous dynamic three-dimensional distribution of blood flow to, from, and within the heart, lungs, and other organ systems of the body. The SSDSR is the first known CT scanner to provide simultaneous scanning of up to 250 cross sections, that is synchronous cylindrical scanning. Consequently the full three-dimensional extent of relatively large organs like the heart can be captured in one scan procedure and stored in computer memory. The reconstructed 3-D image can then be mathematically (i.e.
Tutorial on structure charts as an algorithm design tool

Structure charts have been presented via seminars to groups of computing professionals. Some of these software designers have adopted structure charts as their standard design tool. These practitioners are providing impressive anecdotal evidence that structure charts have significant practical value and are not merely of academic interest.The precise origin of structure charts is not accurately recorded. Their first appearance in a textbook was in Bowles(1) who cites Doran and Tate(2) as their originators. Bowles used the name structure diagram. Jensen and Tonies(3) presented some very similar design notation which they called schematic logic. They claimed that their work was a modification of some previous design methodology due to Jackson.(4) Jensen later presented a modification of schematic logic and called the new notation processing logic trees.(5) The particular geometric shapes used in the structure charts of this paper are the same as those suggested in a forthcoming textbook by one of the authors(6). This tutorial presents structure charts as a design tool which has many desirable characteristics for students of computer science as well as for practicing software designers.
Building a Man on Stage: Masculinity, Romance, and Performance according to Farid al-Atrash

This article explores the life and career of male singing star, instrumental talent, and Composer Farid al-Atrash, who created a prototype of the romantic male musical star from the 1930s until his...
The three parameter equivalent spectra as an index of beam quality

A parametric spectral model based on the work of Birch and Marshall is used to characterize the x‐ray spectra of a specific x‐ray system. Using least‐squares comparison between measured and calculated attenuation data, an equivalent spectrum (EQSPEC) is iteratively found which very closely matches the measured attenuation characteristics of the x‐ray system. The resulting parametric spectrum is a function of the anode angle (θ), equivalent kilovoltage (kVeq ), and the equivalent aluminum filtration (Aleq ), and these three parameters can serve as very concise yet very accurate indices of beam quality. The utility of the EQSPEC for characterization and reporting of x‐ray spectra (and thus beam quality) may have numerous applications in diagnostic imaging procedures where spectral quality is an important consideration.
Resistant Candida parapsilosis associated with long term fluconazole prophylaxis in an animal model

We report an increased occurrence of fluconazole-resistant Candida parapsilosis after a 4-year period of antifungal prophylaxis in a premature animal neonatal intensive care unit. Although prevention of nosocomial fungal infections in premature infants is desirable, implementation of fluconazole prophylaxis should be undertaken with caution. Where such programs are in place, evaluation of fungal isolates for drug resistance should be considered.
Bullae: a cutaneous sign of a variety of neurologic diseases.

Bullae, erosions, red-blue plaques, and macular erythema are commonly found on sites of pressure in patients immobilized for prolonged periods. Coma from drug overdose is the most frequent predisposing event, but the lesions cannot be related to the toxic effects of any specific medication. The cutaneous lesions are a result of pressure-induced ischemia (and anoxia); their histology may include subepidermal bullae and focal necrosis of epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissue, and all epidermal appendages.
Variable Star Candidates in an Advanced Camera for Surveys Field of M31

A search for variable stars is performed using two epochs of Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys imaging data for a 9.28 arcmin2 portion of M31. This data set reveals 254 sources that vary by at least 4 σ between epochs. The positions and two-epoch B-band (equivalent) photometry of these sources are presented. The photometry suggests that this catalog includes most of the RR Lyrae population of this portion of M31.
Evaluation of turbulence models in the PARC code for transonic diffuser flows

Flows through a transonic diffuser were investigated with the PARC code using five turbulence models to determine the effects of turbulence model selection on flow prediction. Three of the turbulence models were algebraic models: Thomas (the standard algebraic turbulence model in PARC), Baldwin-Lomax, and Modified Mixing Length-Thomas (MMLT). The other two models were the low Reynolds number k-epsilon models of Chien and Speziale. Three diffuser flows, referred to as the no-shock, weak-shock, and strong-shock cases, were calculated with each model to conduct the evaluation. Pressure distributions, velocity profiles, locations of shocks, and maximum Mach numbers in the duct were the flow quantities compared. Overall, the Chien k-epsilon model was the most accurate of the five models when considering results obtained for all three cases. However, the MMLT model provided solutions as accurate as the Chien model for the no-shock and the weak-shock cases, at a substantially lower computational cost (measured in CPU time required to obtain converged solutions). The strong shock flow, which included a region of shock-induced flow separation, was only predicted well by the two k-epsilon models.
Effect of interferon therapy on bile duct inflammation in hepatitis C

Inflammation of the bile ducts was studied in liver biopsies from patients with chronic hepatitis C to determine whether the frequency of inflamed bile ducts changes with therapy and correlates with other histological variables and expression of class I and II MHC antigens on ductal epithelium. Twenty patients treated at UMMC between 1991 and 1994 underwent needle biopsies of the liver before and after therapy with interferon alpha 2B (IFN). A complete response to therapy was defined as a return to normal serum alanine aminotransferase levels occurring and persisting during therapy. The number of inflamed bile ducts/total ducts (%IBDs), presence of piecemeal necrosis and lymphoid aggregates, and grade of inflammation were assessed in each high-power field in all areas with bile ducts. The frequencies of these variables were compared in cirrhotics and non-cirrhotics and in patients with complete or incomplete responses to IFN. Frozen sections of biopsies from 5 patients were immunostained using antibodies to HLA-DR and B-2-microglobulin, and positive staining was noted on bile ducts. Before therapy, the %IBD was slightly greater in patients with cirrhosis. After IFN, both %IBD and serum alkaline phosphatase levels decreased in non-cirrhotics who responded to IFN. The change in frequency of IBD with IFN paralleled the changes in the other histological features. No correlation was noted between bile duct inflammation and expression of class I and II antigens. The conclusion is that inflammation of the bile ducts occurs frequently in chronic hepatitis C, correlates with other features of inflammation in the triads, and decreases in response to IFN therapy.
Insurability for Asymptomatic Hematuria or Proteinuria During Childhood

The objective of this survey was to describe life insurance underwriting practices concerning children with asymptomatic hematuria and proteinuria. A questionnaire was sent to 200 companies licensed to issue life insurance policies in the state of New York. The medical director of each company was asked to respond to the insurability of children with asymptomatic hematuria and proteinuria. Two case summaries were provided with the questionnaire. Of 97 companies, 66 would offer insurance to the patient with hematuria, although 38 (58%) would charge additional premiums. In response to the problem of proteinuria, 61 companies would offer life insurance, although 50 (82%) would require higher premium charges ( P
Field Determination of Current-Transformer Errors by the Secondary-Voltage Method

FOR many years there has been a need for a relatively simple field method for testing bushing current transformers for accuracy.
ON HARMONIC INVERSION OF CROSS-CORRELATION FUNCTIONS BY THE FILTER DIAGONALIZATION METHOD

Harmonic inversion of Chebyshev correlation and cross-correlation functions by the filter diagonalization method (FDM) is one of the most efficient ways to accurately compute the complex spectra of low dimensional quantum molecular systems. This explains the growing popularity of the FDM in the past several years. Some of its most attractive features are the predictable convergence properties and the lack of adjusting parameters. These issues however are often misunderstood and mystified. We discuss the questions relevant to the optimal choices for the FDM parameters, such as the window size and the number of basis functions. We also demonstrate that the cross-correlation approach (using multiple initial states) is significantly more effective than the conventional autocorrelation approach (single initial state) for the common case of a non-uniform eigenvalue distribution.
Regional jointing in the northern Michigan Basin

The orientations of joints were measured at 142 locations across the northern Michigan Basin in rocks of Cambrian to Devonian age. Four major vertical joint sets were found throughout the area. The average trends of the four sets are 052°, 134°, 091°, and 001°. There are small random fluctuations in mean orientation of all the sets, but they remain remarkably consistent in orientation throughout the area, across lithologic and stratigraphic boundaries, and across a regional strike change around the Michigan Basin of about 115°. The joint pattern does not seem to be related to structural trends in the Precambrian basement, inferred from geophysical data. The joint set at 134° has the same trend as a series of major folds in the Paleozoic rocks of the Michigan Basin, suggesting that this joint set may be related to the folding. The joint set at 052° is parallel with the maximum horizontal compressive stress that exists today throughout the mid-continent region. This joint set may be extension joints formed in response to the present stress regime.
Field‐aligned coordinates for nonlinear simulations of tokamak turbulence

Turbulence in tokamaks is characterized by long parallel wavelengths and short perpendicular wavelengths. A coordinate system for nonlinear fluid, gyrokinetic ‘‘Vlasov,’’ or particle simulations is presented that exploits the elongated nature of the turbulence by resolving the minimum necessary simulation volume: a long thin twisting flux tube. It is very similar to the ballooning representation, although periodicity constraints can be incorporated in a manner that allows E×B nonlinearities to be evaluated efficiently with fast Fourier transforms (FFT’s). If the parallel correlation length is very long, however, enforcing periodicity can introduce artificial correlations, so periodicity should not necessarily be enforced in the poloidal angle at θ=±π. This method is applied to high resolution three‐dimensional simulations of toroidal ion temperature gradient (ITG) driven turbulence, which predict fluctuation spectra and ion heat transport similar to experimental measurements.
4DCT-based measurement of changes in pulmonary function following a course of radiation therapy

Purpose: Radiation therapy (RT) for lung cancer is commonly limited to subtherapeutic doses due to unintended toxicity to normal lung tissue. Reducing the frequency of occurrence and magnitude of normal lung function loss may benefit from treatment plans that incorporate the regional lung and radiation dose information. In this article, the authors propose a method that quantitatively measures the regional changes in lung tissue function following a course of radiation therapy by using 4DCT and image registration techniques. Methods: 4DCT data sets before and after RT from two subjects are used in this study. Nonlinear 3D image registration is applied to register an image acquired near end inspiration to an image acquired near end expiration to estimate the pulmonary function. The Jacobian of the image registration transformation, indicating local lung expansion or contraction, serves as an index of regional pulmonary function. Approximately 120 annotated vascular bifurcation points are used as landmarks to evaluate registration accuracy. The authors compare regional pulmonary function before and after RT to the planned radiation dose at different locations of the lung. Results: In all registration pairs, the average landmark distances after registration are on the order of 1 mm. The pulmonary function change as indicated by the Jacobian change ranges from −0.15 to 0.1 in the contralateral lung and −0.22 to 0.23 in the ipsilateral lung for subject A, and ranges from −0.4 to 0.39 in the contralateral lung and −0.25 to 0.5 in the ipsilateral lung for subject B. Both of the subjects show larger range of the increase in the pulmonary function in the ipsilateral lung than the contralateral lung. For lung tissue regions receiving a radiation dose larger than 24 Gy, a decrease in pulmonary function was observed. For regions receiving a radiation dose smaller than 24 Gy, either an increase or a decrease in pulmonary function was observed. The relationship between the pulmonary function change and the radiation dose varies at different locations. Conclusions: With the use of 4DCT and image registration techniques, the pulmonary function prior to and following a course of radiation therapy can be measured. In the preliminary application of this approach for two subjects, changes in pulmonary function were observed with a weak correlation between the dose and pulmonary function change. In certain sections of the lung, detected locally compromised pulmonary function may have resulted from radiation injury.
WHY ARE SICKER PATIENTS LESS SATISFIED WITH THEIR MEDICAL CARE ? TESTS OF TWO EXPLANATORY MODELS

Two explanations were tested for why patients who are less healthy tend to be less satisfied with their medical care than healthier patients. The explanations were (a) that poor health produces dissatisfaction directly and (b) that poor health produces dissatisfaction through the mediating effect of physicians' behavior. Two studies are presented that measured patients' health status, patients' satisfaction with care, and their physicians' communication as recorded on audiotape. In Study 1, 114 patients had first visits with rheumatologists; in Study 2, 649 patients had continuing-care visits with physicians in internal and family medicine. Causal modeling revealed that the first study supported the direct explanation. The second study also supported the direct explanation, as well as the mediation explanation with respect to the physician's use of social conversation.
Observation and interpretation of HH coupling in 1H187Os satellite NMR spectra

Abstract The single hydride resonance observed for each of the compounds H 3 Os 3 (CO) 9 CX (X = OMe, Br, H) has one set of 187 Os satellites which are further split into doublets by HH coupling. The implications of this observation for structural assignments based on 187 Os satellites are discussed.
Relationship Among Anal Sphincter Injury, Patulous Anal Canal, and Anal Pressures in Patients With Anorectal Disorders

Background & Aims The anal sphincters and puborectalis are imaged routinely with an endoanal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coil, which does not assess co-aptation of the anal canal at rest. By using a MRI torso coil, we identified a patulous anal canal in some patients with anorectal disorders. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between anal sphincter and puborectalis injury, a patulous anal canal, and anal pressures. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of data from 119 patients who underwent MRI and manometry analysis of anal anatomy and pressures, respectively, from February 2011 through March 2013 at the Mayo Clinic. Anal pressures were determined by high-resolution manometry, anal sphincter and puborectalis injury was determined by endoanal MRI, and anal canal integrity was determined by torso MRI. Associations between manometric and anatomic parameters were evaluated with univariate and multivariate analyses. Results Fecal incontinence (55 patients; 46%) and constipation (36 patients; 30%) were the main indications for testing; 49 patients (41%) had a patulous anal canal, which was associated with injury to more than 1 muscle (all P ≤ .001), and internal sphincter ( P P = .09) or external sphincter ( P = .06), injury. Internal ( P P = .02) and a patulous canal ( P P Conclusions Patients with anorectal disorders commonly have a patulous anal canal, which is associated with more severe anal injury and independently predicted anal resting pressure and squeeze pressure increment. It therefore is important to identify a patulous anal canal because it appears to be a marker of not only anal sphincter injury but disturbances beyond sphincter injury, such as damage to the anal cushions or anal denervation.