cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Autosomal recessive muscular dystrophy and mutations of the sarcoglycan complex.

Abstract Mutations in the genes encoding the dystrophin-associated sarcoglycan proteins (α, β, γ, and δ) (primary sarcoglycanopathies) have recently been shown to cause some cases of the genetically heterogeneous autosomal recessive muscular dystrophies (limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) types 2D, 2E, 2C and 2F, respectively). Patients with a primary sarcoglycanopathy are clinically indistinguishable from those with the primary dystrophinopathies. Consequently, a definitive diagnosis can only be achieved through biochemical and molecular analysis. Patient biopsies showing normal dystrophin immunostaining (and/or immunoblot) can be immunostained with antibodies directed against any component of the sarcoglycan complex, and biochemical deficiencies of the sarcoglycan complex can be detected. We have shown, however, that only some of the biochemically-deficient patients are affected with α-, β-, γ- and δ-sarcoglycan mutations. Many will show mutations of an, as yet, unidentified protein. The primary sarcoglycanopathies have been estimated to account for about 5 per cent of muscular dystrophy in patients with normal dystrophin findings.
Integrated frequency-domain digital hearing aid with the lapped transform

This paper presents a frequency domain digital hearing aid based upon the new lapped transform, which has the ability to eliminate the blocking effects inherent in traditional frequency domain filtering. Incorporated into the new digital hearing aid are the functions of frequency shaping, acoustic feedback cancellation and periodic noise reduction.
Bistable Parvalbumin Circuits Pivotal for Brain Plasticity

Experience shapes brain function throughout life to varying degrees. In a recent issue of Nature, Donato et al. identify reversible shifts in focal parvalbumin cell state during adult learning, placing it on a mechanistic continuum with developmental critical periods. A disinhibitory microcircuit controls the plasticity switch to modulate memory formation.
Orthotopic heart transplantation in patients with metabolic risk factors.

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of metabolic risk factors on mortality rates after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). Methods Adult patients undergoing OHT between 1998 and 2008 were identified in the United Network for Organ Sharing registry. The impact of metabolic risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity) on mortality post-OHT was evaluated in a Cox proportional hazards regression analysis adjusted for other variables associated with survival in univariate analysis (exploratory p value Results A total of 15,960 eligible patients underwent OHT during the study period. There were 6,368 (39.9%) patients with none of these risk factors, 6,138 (38.5%) with 1 risk factor, 2,811 (17.6%) with 2 risk factors, and 643 (4.0%) who had all 3 risk factors. After adjusting for other significant variables influencing survival, each individual risk factor independently increased the likelihood of mortality post-OHT (hypertension: HR 1.10 [1.03 to 1.17]; diabetes: HR 1.22[1.13 to 1.31]; obesity: HR 1.17 [1.10 to 1.26], each p 2 = 0.99, p p p Conclusions This large-cohort study demonstrates that an increasing number of metabolic risk factors in OHT recipients is associated with exponential increases in postoperative mortality rates.
Ventilatory and intrapulmonary chemoreceptor sensitivity to CO2 in the burrowing owl.

Abstract We measured the ventilatory response of anesthetized, unidirectionally ventilated pigeons and burrowing owls to changes in intrapulmonary CO2 concentration and the static CO2 sensitivity of intrapulmonary chemoreceptors (IPC) in these species and the domestic goose. Compared with pigeons, burrowing owls showed a significantly reduced respiratory frequency and amplitude response to increases in F I CO2 from 0.05 to 0.10, which corroborates similar findings in intact, awake individuals of the same species. The average static CO2 sensitivity of IPC in geese, pigeons, and burrowing owls, as reflected by the average slope of the linear regressions of receptor discharge frequency ofn lnO I CO2, was −7.96, −11.1 and −6.87 imp/sec·ln(P I CO2), respectively. The sensitivities of individual receptros were normally distributed in geese and pigeons, but skewed in burrowing owls. Therefore, the median CO2 sensitivity [−5.50 imp/sec·ln(P I CO2)] is a more appropriate measure of the typical CO2 sensitivity of IPC in burrowing owls. The static CO2 sensitivity of IPC in burrowing owls is the lowest reported for euthermic birds with a normal acid-base balance and may materially contribute to the blunted ventilatory response of these birds to the elevated CO2 levels thery encounter in nature.
The influence of the personality of the scientist on his theorizing: I. P. Pavlov and the concept of human signal systems.

Every attitude, every methodological position inevitably undergoes numerous influences in the course of its development. It becomes overgrown with entirely new interpretations and commentary. Neither Pavlov's signal system concept nor his typology of 'thinkers' and 'artists' avoided this destiny. The signal systems concept was based upon the general theory of condi tioned reflexes. In this theory aU living organisms are described in terms of conditioned (uslovnye) and unconditioned (bezuslovnye) responses to stimuli, which play the role of signals for reaction. Every object, in this context, is viewed in respect to its signal meaning, its reactional value. AU conditioned stimuli are designated relative to that unconditioned act, with which they are connected.
VITRIFIED CORDIERITE BODIES

Twenty-eight ceramic bodies of the three-component system, MgO-Al2O3.SiO2, with additions of various fluxes, such as feldspar, beryl, spodumene, nepheline syenite, and other glassforming compositions and their vitrification range between cone 13 and cone 15 have been investigated. The electrical and mechanical properties, thermal expansion, and resistance against electrical power arcs are given.
The structure and evolution of parvalbumins

1. Parvalbumins were isolated from the white muscle ofCynoscion regalis, Leiostomus xanthurus, andMenticirrhus americanus of the Sciaenidae andPomatomus saltatrix of the Pomatomidae. 2. Menticirrhus contains three isoparvalbumins. The other species contain two isoparvalbumins which are designated “fast” and “slow” in accord with their electrophoretic mobilities. Measurements of the denatured molecular weights show the “slow” isoparvalbumins have slightly larger apparent molecular weights, but all apparent molecular weights are in the range 10,400-14,000. 3. Amino acid compositional studies indicate that the fast and slow isoparvalbumins in these fish represent two distinct evolutionary lineages which appear to be evolving at different rates.
A reduced-delay sampled-data hold

A data holding scheme whose phase delay is significantly less than that of the usual zero-order-hold is presented. Lower sampling rates may thus be used in closed-loop control applications. The improvement is achieved by means of simple additional software. A standard ZOH device is employed. Graphs of the resulting frequency response are presented. An example is included.
Biomass production of sugarcane cultivars and early-generation hybrids

Abstract Sugarcane ( Saccharum L. spp. hybrids) is a vegetatively-propagated, perennial crop cultivated primarily for sucrose production. The biomass production of interspecific and intergeneric hybrids is assumed to surpass that of cultivars, but there have been few statistical comparisons. The objectives of this study were to determine effects of plant-cane and ratoon crops on biomass yield components for two sugarcane cultivars and early-generation hybrid derivatives (Experiment 1), and to determine the effect of backcross breeding on biomass yield components (Experiment 2). Two cultivars and 47 hybrid derivatives (F 1 -BC 2 ) were evaluated in replicated, single-row plots near Houma, Louisiana, for four annual harvests (Exp. 1). Thirty random clones from F 1 , BC 1 , BC 2 , BC 3 , and elite generations were evaluated in replicated single-rows in the plant-cane crop (Exp. 2). Fresh-weight biomass yield of one hybrid clone, US 74-69, was 307 Mg ha −1 (Exp. 1). Mean fresh-weight biomass yield of hybrids was nearly 50 Mg ha −1 yr −1 greater than that of cultivars ( P ≥ 0.05). Fresh-weight and dry-matter yields decreased linearly across crops (plant-cane through the fourth-ratoon crop) for cultivars, but there was no consistent trend for the early-generation hybrids. Backcrossing (F 1 through BC 3 generations) to elite parents resulted in a marked reduction of many important biomass yield components, including fiber concentration, solids concentration, and stalk number (Exp. 2). No backcross or elite progeny surpassed F 1 progeny in fresh-weight or dry-matter yields ha −1 . This study confirmed that early-generation sugarcane hybrids have great potential for high biomass production. Biomass production might be improved in later-generation hybrids by selecting for stalk number and fiber concentration.
Correlation versus mean-field contributions to excitons, multiexcitons, and charging energies in semiconductor quantum dots

Single-dot spectroscopy is now able to resolve the energies of excitons, multiexcitons, and charging of semiconductor quantum dots with $\ensuremath{\lesssim}1$ meV resolution. We discuss the physical content of these energies and show how they can be calculated via quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) and configuration interaction (CI) methods. The spectroscopic energies have three pieces: (i) a ``perturbative part'' reflecting carrier-carrier direct and exchange Coulomb energies obtained from fixed single-particle orbitals, (ii) a ``self-consistency correction'' when the single particle orbitals are allowed to adjust to the presence of carrier-carrier interaction, and (iii) a ``correlation correction.'' We first apply the QMC and CI methods to a model single-particle Hamiltonian: a spherical dot with a finite barrier and single-band effective mass. This allows us to test the convergence of the CI and to establish the relative importance of the three terms (i)--(iii) above. Next, we apply the CI method to a realistic single-particle Hamiltonian for a CdSe dot, including via a pseudopotential description the atomistic features, multiband coupling, spin-orbit effects, and surface passivation. We include all bound states (up to 40 000 Slater determinants) in the CI expansion. Our study shows that (1) typical exciton transition energies, which are $\ensuremath{\sim}1$ eV, can be calculated to better than 95% by perturbation theory, with only a $\ensuremath{\sim}2$ meV correlation correction; (2) typical electron addition energies are $\ensuremath{\sim}40$ meV, of which correlation contributes very little $(\ensuremath{\sim}1$ meV); (3) typical biexciton binding energies are positive and $\ensuremath{\sim}10$ meV and almost entirely due to correlation energy, and exciton addition energies are $\ensuremath{\sim}30$ meV with nearly all contribution due to correlation; (4) while QMC is currently limited to a single-band effective-mass Hamiltonian, CI may be used with much more realistic models, which capture the correct symmetries and electronic structure of the dots, leading to qualitatively different predictions from effective-mass models; and (5) CI gives excited state energies necessary to identify some of the peaks that appear in single-dot photoluminescence spectra.
A Tactile Sensor With Electrooptical Transduction

A tactile sensor with electrooptical transductionJ. Rebman and K. A. MorrisLord CorporationCorporate Research Center407 Gregson Dr., Cary, NC 27511AbstractThe tactile sensor described in this paper employs two stages of transduction in convert-ing impressions on its touch surface into conveniently processed electrical signals. Onestage is a pure mechanical deflectometer while the other is an arrangement using electro-optical transducers. This transduction concept contributes to a robust sensor designsuitable for operation on the factory floor. Design, performance, and application of thetactile sensing system are described. The application is an operation involving assembly ofa thin flexible diaphragm in the lip of a rigid cap.IntroductionForthcoming generations of automation equipment will feature adaptable performance. Theywill require suitable sensing means in order to obtain information about their workingenvironment so as to determine what changes in operation are needed. Tactile sensing andmachine vision are the major senses which appear to be destined for incorporation into theseadaptable systems. Of the two, machine vision is the more mature technology. The likelyreason is that effective tools were readily available for converting optical images intoconveniently processed signals. The vidicon camera and subsequently the solid state opticalimaging devices played important roles.The same has not been the case for tactile sensing. Effective transduction means havenot been available. In addition, the issue of what phenomena are to be transduced is notnearly so well understood in tactile sensing as it is in machine vision. Complex tactilesensing is only now receiving significant research attention.A variety of transduction means have been studied and reported in the literature.1 Theyhave been incorporated into various forms of tactile sensing devices. Only the simplesthave been moved out of the laboratory environment into a working industrial situation on aday by day basis.The objective of this paper is to describe the construction, the performance, and theapplication of a tactile sensing system which is sufficiently robust and provides the per-formance needed on the factory floor. At the heart of this sensor is electrooptical trans -duction. First some brief comments on the nature of tactile sensing will be offered.
Climate extreme and its linkage to regional drought over Idaho, USA

To investigate consequences of climate extreme and variability on agriculture and regional water resource, twenty-seven climatic indices of temperature and precipitation over Idaho, USA, were computed. Precipitation, mean temperature and maximum temperature, self-calibrated Palmer Drought Index and Standardized Precipitation Index for 1-, 3-, 6- and 12-month time scales were used to identify spatial and temporal distribution of climatic extreme and variability as well as drought frequency and magnitude. Seven oceanic indices were also used to detect teleconnections between climatic indices and regional droughts. The analyses were conducted for 56 meteorological stations, during 1962–2008, characterized by a long-term and high-quality data set. The result indicates that decreasing trends and increasing trends are identified for precipitation and temperature, respectively. Consequently, it appears that frost and ice days dwindle as growing season (May–August) length, tropical nights and summer days increase. Given current climate conditions, the results also imply that these trends will continue in the future possibly driven by uncertain climate variability. We anticipate that these indices explained by teleconnections will improve drought-forecasting capability in this region.
Review article: the role of non‐acid reflux in gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease

The role of acid in the pathogenesis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been extensively studied and is well accepted. The role, if any, of non-acid reflux, in particular duodenogastro-oesophageal reflux, is much debated. The availability of new technology to detect non-acid reflux has heightened interest in this question. This article reviews the following: How do we define non-acid reflux? Does duodenogastro-oesophageal reflux (alone or in combination) cause oesophageal injury, symptoms or both? What is its role in complicated GERD? What methods are available to assess non-acid reflux? Does non-acid reflux need treatment and if so what modalities are available?
Excitation spectra of ZnS phosphors part 1: Theoretical analysis

Abstract A theoretical analysis of the excitation spectra of ZnS phosphors is given. The analysis is based on the Schon—Klasens model and assumes a constant quantum efficiency, being independent of the exciting photon energy. The diffusion and surface recombination of carriers generated by photon excitation are considered. The drop of sensitivity on the high energy side of the excitation spectrum is explained by the surface recombination of carriers. The long wave tails of the excitation spectra are associated with center (activator) excitation and they are determined by optical effects. Generalized curves are derived for the evaluation of the experimental excitation spectra.
Reactions of Co, Ni, and Cu Atoms with CS2: Infrared Spectra and Density-Functional Calculations of SMCS, M-(η2-CS)S, M-CS2, and MCS2+in Solid Argon

Laser-ablated cobalt, nickel, and copper atoms and cations were reacted with CS2 molecules during condensation in excess argon. The carbon-bonded M−η1-CS2 and side-bonded M−(η2-CS)S complexes were formed on annealing, whereas the inserted SMCS molecules were formed on photolysis. The Co−η1-CS2+, Ni−η1-CS2+ and Cu−SCS+ cations were also produced by metal cation reactions with CS2. The product absorptions are identified by isotopic substitutions, electron trapping with added CCl4, and density functional calculations. This work provides the first vibrational spectroscopic characterization of the Co, Ni, and Cu−CS2 neutral and cation complexes and the SMCS insertion products.
Geomagnetic field detection by the western Atlantic spiny lobster, Panulirus argus

Conditioning experiments were conducted to test the ability of western Atlantic spiny lobsters (Panulirus argus) to orient using geomagnetic cues. Lobsters were trained and tested in a rotatable circular orientation apparatus in which they could enter tunnels aligned with one of six compass bearings. In initial experiments animals were positively reinforced for entering the tunnel at magnetic north and negatively reinforced for entering all other tunnels. While deprived of all known or suspected guideposts other than the geomagnetic field, conditioned lobsters entered tunnels aligned with the north‐south magnetic axis significantly more often than other tunnels. However, the animals did not demonstrate the ability to discriminate north from south under the experimental conditions. To confirm that location of the north‐south axis was mediated by magnetic field detection, a pair of conditioned lobsters was subjected to trials in an altered magnetic field in which magnetic north was rotated 60° counterclockw...
Impact of repeated nicotine and alcohol coexposure on in vitro and in vivo chlorpyrifos dosimetry and cholinesterase inhibition.

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is an organophosphorus insecticide, and neurotoxicity results from inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by its metabolite, chlorpyrifos-oxon. Routine consumption of alcohol and tobacco modifies metabolic and physiological processes impacting the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of other xenobiotics, including pesticides. This study evaluated the influence of repeated ethanol and nicotine coexposure on in vivo CPF dosimetry and cholinesterase (ChE) response (ChE- includes AChE and/or butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE)). Hepatic microsomes were prepared from groups of naive, ethanol-only (1 g/kg/d, 7 d, po), and ethanol + nicotine (1 mg/kg/d 7 d, sc)-treated rats, and the in vitro metabolism of CPF was evaluated. For in vivo studies, rats were treated with saline or ethanol (1 g/kg/d, po) + nicotine (1 mg/kg/d, sc) in addition to CPF (1 or 5 mg/kg/d, po) for 7 d. The major CPF metabolite, 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy), in blood and urine and the plasma ChE and brain acetylcholinestera...
Electrochemical studies and syntheses of fulleride-derived materials

Abstract With widely-separated reduction potentials of > 200 mV, C60 can, in principle, be selectively reduced to any one of six C60n− fulleride ions in solution by electrochemical methodology. Employing controlled-potential electrolysis (CPE) in CH3CN, preliminary data for the electrosynthesis and crystallization of superconducting K3C60 from solution are described. The epr spectroelectrochemistries of the C60− ( S = 1 2 ), C602− (S = 1) and C603− ( S = 1 2 ) ions in solution are considered together, and the general advantages of an electrochemical approach (as opposed to a CVD approach) toward C60n−-based materials are presented. For completeness, available electrochemical data for c70, C76 and C84 are also summarized and compared to C60. Finally, the synthesis and detection of trace amounts of [Y @ C82] (Y3+ ion inside a C823− cage) are described and the possible utility of synthetic electrochemistry is considered for the future synthesis and isolation of macro quantities of such metallofullerenes.
Age-Dependent Signature of Metallothionein Expression in Primary CD4 T Cell Responses Is Due to Sustained Zinc Signaling

The ability to mount adaptive immune responses to vaccinations and viral infections declines with increasing age. To identify mechanisms leading to immunosenescence, primary CD4 T cell responses were examined in 60- to 75-year-old individuals lacking overt functional defects. Transcriptome analysis indicated a selective defect in zinc homeostasis. CD4 T cell activation was associated with zinc influx via the zinc transporter Zip6, leading to increased free cytoplasmic zinc and activation of negative feedback loops, including the induction of zinc-binding metallothioneins. In young adults, activation-induced cytoplasmic zinc concentrations declined after 2 days to below prestimulation levels. In contrast, activated naive CD4 T cells from older individuals failed to downregulate cytoplasmic zinc, resulting in excessive induction of metallothioneins. Activation-induced metallothioneins regulated the redox state in activated T cells and accounted for an increased proliferation of old CD4 T cells, suggesting that regulation of T cell zinc homeostasis functions as a compensatory mechanism to preserve the replicative potential of naive CD4 T cells with age.
Mechanics and thermodynamics of diffusion

Abstract The relation between diffusive forces and fluxes is sometimes chosen on the basis of the entropy inequality. Since the form of the entropy inequality is influenced by the form of the thermal energy equation, a precise understanding of the latter is necessary when the matter of forces and fluxes is explored. Often the form of the thermal energy equation for multicomponent systems is developed on an intuitive basis, and this leads to uncertainty in the form of the entropy inequality. A detailed analysis of the thermal energy equation leads to the following term in the entropy inequality ∑ A = 1 A = N ( − ∇ μ A + ρ A − 1 ∇ p A − ρ A − 1 ∇ ⋅ τ A ) ⋅ j A ≥ 0 in which ∇μA and ρ A − 1 ∇ p A are the same order of magnitude. This result indicates that the use of the gradient of the chemical potential as a driving force for the diffusive flux is not justified.
Biologic properties of human herpesvirus 7 strain SB.

Abstract The growth characteristics of human herpesvirus 7 strain SB (HHV-7 (SB)) were studied in human umbilical cord blood lymphocyte (CBL) cultures. The virus has approximately a 4-day growth cycle, as measured by immunofluorescence analysis, quantitation of the relative viral DNA concentration, and examination of infected cells by electron microscopy on consecutive days post-infection. By systematically varying the culture media components, improved culturing conditions were established. Activated lymphocytes were required for virus growth. HHV-7(SB) grew best in phytohemagglutinin-stimulated CBL cultured in media containing 0.01 mg/ml hydrocortisone. Addition of recombinant human interleukin 2 (IL-2) at concentrations exceeding 1–10 U/ml inhibited virus growth in most CBL cultures. Addition of exogenous IL-2 to the culture media had no effect on viral DNA production. However, the percentage of virus antigen-positive cells was highest when 0.1–1 U/ml was added to the media. Differences in the ability of individual CBL cultures to replicate HHV-7(SB) was not explained by differing CD4+ cell concentrations. However, individual cultures varied in the level of endogenous IL-2 production, which may contribute to the virus growth variability in CBL. HHV-7(SB) grew in the CD4-positive T-cell line SupT1, but not in a variety of other lymphocyte, fibroblast, or epithelial cell lines. Nine compounds were tested for antiviral activity against HHV-7 in vitro. Phosphonoformic acid inhibited virus growth with a 50% effective concentration of 4.8 μ M. Ganciclovir (200 μ M) and phosphonoacetic acid (100 μ M) inhibited more than 90% of virus production. None of the compounds were cytotoxic at concentrations which inhibited the virus. A generalized increase in host cell protein synthesis was also observed in virus-infected cells similar to that seen in CBL infected with human herpesvirus 6.
Signaling protein complexes associated with neuronal ion channels

The pore-forming subunits of many ion channels exist in the membrane as one component of a regulatory protein complex, which may also contain one or more signaling proteins that contribute to the modulation of channel properties. Here I review this field, with emphasis on several different kinds of neuronal potassium channels for which the evidence for ion channel signaling complexes is most compelling. A key challenge for the future is to determine the roles of such signaling protein complexes in neuronal physiology and behavior.
Liver Disease in Pregnancy

Diagnosis and management of liver disease in women who are pregnant can be challenging. The management starts with an assessment to determine if the patient has pre-existing or coincidental liver disease not related to pregnancy verses liver disease related to pregnancy. Consideration of both the expectant mother and fetus are paramount in the approach to treatment.
Tyrosine kinase activity associated with the CD7 antigen: correlation with regulation of T cell integrin function.

Rapid up-regulation of the functional activity of integrin adhesion receptors is a hallmark of T cell activation. Monoclonal antibody engagement of the CD7 antigen on human T cells results in an increase in β1 and β2 integrin-mediated adhesion within minutes. This suggests that CD7 is capable of transducing intracellular signals, and is consistent with other indirect studies implicating CD7 as a signaling receptor on T cells. In this report, we have explored the intracellular mechanism by which CD7 modulates integrin functional activity. First, CD7-mediated up-regulation of T cell adhesion was found to be unique when compared to phorbol ester stimulation and CD3/T cell receptor cross-linking, based on differences in the kinetics of activation-dependent integrin-mediated adhesion and lack of increase in CD2 functional activity. Second, up-regulation of integrin activity mediated by CD7 cross-linking was completely inhibited by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor herbimycin A. Third, antiphosphotyrosine immunoblotting demonstrated that antibody engagement of CD7 results in a rapid but transient increase in tyrosine phosphorylation in human T cells. Finally, CD7 immunoprecipitates contain in vitro kinase activity, as demonstrated by phosphorylation of a predominant band of 80 kDa and multiple other bands. Phosphoamino acid analysis of the 80-kDa substrate revealed phosphorylation on tyrosine as well as serine and threonine residues. Together, our results suggest that CD7 is associated with tyrosine kinase activity and that this tyrosine kinase activity correlates with the ability of CD7 to regulate T cell integrin functional activity.
Novel Smart Grid and SCADA system interdependency networks for future's clean, sustainable and green energy

A novel approach of interdependency modeling of Smart Grid and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) networks is introduced. Methodological approach for vulnerability reduction considering both structural and functional vulnerability is introduced in this paper. The analysis of cyber-attacks on Smart Grid and SCADA network is discussed. Paper discusses importance and need of clean, sustainable and green energy for the future. Paper also analyzes interdependent Smart Grid and SCADA network under severe emergency situations. The contribution of this paper provides novel network with integrated infrastructures for active and survivable network operation. Thus novel Smart Grid and SCADA interdependency network will act as future's clean, sustainable and Green energy model.
Structural evolution of the amorphous solids produced by heating crystalline MgHPO4 · 3H2O

The precise structural characteristics of the amorphous solids that are generated during the dehydration of crystalline MgHPO4 · 3H2O (newberyite) are reported. The results show that a dramatic change in the distribution of phosphate anions (i.e., chains of corner-linked PO4 tetrahedra) occurs during the process of dehydration and that anions up to 13 PO4 tetrahedra in length are formed. The distribution of phosphate anions formed at intermediate stages of the dehydration process was found to be in quantitative agreement with the theory of Parks and Van Wazer.
Melt flow crystallization of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene under curvilinear flow conditions

Multiaxially oriented ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene films were prepared recently under curvilinear flow conditions generated by the combined effects of compression and rotation. The films were prepared by melt flow crystallization in an optical apparatus specially designed for rheo-optical observations. Morphological studies indicate that the films were fibrillar with the fibrils oriented along the circular flow lines. The fibrils were lamellar, and their lamellar thickness (150–450 A) and spacing (400–2000 A) depended on the processing conditions. The film exhibited strong birefringence (1.4 × 10−2) and had a Young modulus of 15–25 GPa along the flow lines and 3–5 GPa in the transverse direction.
The Need to Relate Cognitive Deficits to Specific Behavioral Referents of Schizophrenia

The implicit rationale for many cognitive studies of schizophrenia hinges on the recognition that verbal communication generated by patients with this disorder is often elusive or difficult to comprehend. This observation has led to the inference that a cognitive dysfunction, which mediates the production of discourse failure, is characteristic of schizophrenia. Unfortunately, most investigators have chosen to examine this type of hypothesis by comparing heterogeneous groups of schizophrenic patients (without regard to whether they exhibit verbal communication impairment) with various control samples; they have not studied the association between cognitive processes and specific schizophrenic symptoms. Data are presented from two studies indicating that such relationships, even when highly plausible, cannot simply be presumed. In both studies, one with adults suffering from schizophrenia and the other with children at risk, a laboratory measure of referential communication failed to be strongly related to language disorder. These data suggest that future investigators should specify the features of schizophrenia that are expected to correlate with their laboratory measures and empirically evaluate these relations.
The importance of assessing both inpatient and outpatient surgical quality.

Objective:We aimed to determine whether hospital-level surgical performance was similar across outpatient and inpatient settings.Background:The majority of surgical procedures in the United States are performed in an outpatient setting but most quality improvement focuses on inpatient care.Methods:U
Trends in surgical management for acute cholecystitis.

Introduction Cholecystectomy, which can be performed with either a laparoscopic (LC) or open (OC) approach, remains the definitive treatment for acute cholecystitis (AC) in the United States. There has not been an overall evaluation of the safety and efficacy of LC vs. OC as treatment for AC. Methods We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample to identify all patients with AC from 1998-2005. Rates of LC or OC, patient and hospital characteristics, hospital cost, and mortality were analyzed. In order to assess if differences in outcomes exist, propensity scores were created to eliminate differences in cohorts. A case-controlled analysis was then performed, comparing in-hospital mortality and likelihood of conversion to OC. Results From approximately 1.8 million admissions for AC, 1.4 million patients underwent cholecystectomy (1,240,212 LC; 147,190 OC) for AC from 1998 to 2005. The number of cholecystectomies increased over time. The ratio of LC performed increased from 83% in 1998 to 93% in 2005; 12% of cases were attempted laparoscopically but converted to OC. When compared with OC, patients who underwent LC were more likely to be female, carry private insurance, be discharged to home, have lesser hospital cost per patient, have no comorbid conditions, and have a lesser unadjusted mortality. After adjusting for age, comorbidity and sex, the adjusted odds ratio for death was 4.6-fold greater (95% CI 4.1–5.1) with OC compared with LC as the treatment for AC. Conclusions LC is performed with increasing frequency as the treatment for AC with lesser mortality, hospital stay, and cost compared with OC. Despite differences in cohorts, these results support a continued aggressive approach with laparoscopy as the treatment of choice for AC.
Arterial and Venous Blood Gas Analyses

Arterial and venous blood gases provide useful information regarding pulmonary function as well as acid-base balance. The goal of this article is to discuss the collection of blood gases, common errors in analysis, and what information can be gleaned from a blood gas analysis.
CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS OF ISOETHARINE ADMINISTERED TO SURGICAL PATIENTS DURING CYCLOPROPANE ANAESTHESIA

SUMMARY Isoetharine was administered intravenously in doses ranging from 1 to 15 μg/kg to fourteen patients undergoing elective surgery during cyclopropane anaesthesia. In all cases isoetharine caused a decrease in systolic and diastolic arterial pressures and an increase in heart rate. These effects were dose-related, with a dose response plateau occurring between 5 and 10 μg/kg. Variable displacement of the cardiac pacemaker to the AV node occurred. However, in no instances did premature ventricular contractions appear. It is concluded that isoetharine is a safe drug to be administered intravenously during inhalation anaesthesia with cyclopropane.
Efficacy of Olibra: a 12-week randomized controlled trial and a review of earlier studies.

Background: Intervention strategies that harness the body’s appetite and satiety regulating signals provide a means of countering excessive energy intake. Methods: Eighty-two subjects were enrolled (18–60 years, body mass index: 25–40 kg/m 2 ) in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel trial. During a 12-week period, the effects of Olibra™ fat emulsion (2.1 g twice daily) on food intake, appetite, satiety, weight, and body composition were compared with those of a twice daily administered placebo (1.95 g milk fat). On days -7, 0, and 28, Olibra or the placebo added to 200 g of yogurt was served at breakfast and lunch. Food intake, appetite, and satiety were assessed after lunch and dinner. Body weight was measured on days -7, 0, 14, 28, 56, and 84. Body fat, waist circumference, and waist-hip ratio were determined on days 0 and 84. The Eating Inventory was administered at screening and on day 28. Data relating to 71 subjects were analyzed using analysis of covariance. Results: At 12 weeks, body weight was reduced in the test group (2.17 ± 0.46 kg standard error of the mean, p < .0001) and the control group (1.68 ± 0.42 kg, p < .0001). Waist circumference decreased by 2.93 ± 0.85 cm in the test group (p = .001) and by 1.78 ± 0.74 cm in the control group (p = .02). Differential weight and waist circumference reductions were not significant. Hunger scores (Eating Inventory) decreased more in the test group ( p = .0082). Differential group effects were not significant for body fat, waist-hip ratio, food intake, appetite, and satiety. Conclusions:
'Miracle–on–the–Hudson': quantitative aftermath

Application of the quantitative probabilistic risk management (PRM) concept should complement in various human-in-the-loop (HITL) situations, whenever feasible and possible, the existing vehicular psychology practices, which are typically qualitative a-posteriori statistical assessments. A PRM approach based on the double exponential probability distribution function of the extreme value distribution type is suggested as a suitable quantitative technique for assessing the probability of the human non-failure in an off-normal flight situation. The famous 2009 US Airways ‘miracle-on-the-Hudson’ successful landing (ditching) and the infamous 1998 Swiss Air ‘UN-shuttle’ disaster are chosen to illustrate the usefulness and fruitfulness of the approach. It is concluded that the developed formalisms, after trustworthy input data are obtained (using, e.g., flight simulators or Delphi method) might be applicable even beyond the vehicular domain in various HITL situations, when a short term high human performance is imperative and the ability to quantify it is highly desirable.
A system-level synthesis algorithm with guaranteed solution quality

Recently a number of heuristic based system-level synthesis algorithms have been proposed. Though these algorithms quickly generate good solutions, how close these solutions are to optimal is a question that is difficult to answer. While current exact techniques produce optimal results, they fail to produce them in reasonable time. This paper presents a synthesis algorithm that produces solutions of guaranteed quality (optimal in most cases or within a known bound) with practical synthesis times (few seconds to minutes). It takes a unified look (the lack of which is one of the main sources of sub-optimality in the heuristic techniques) at different aspects of system synthesis such as pipelining, selection, allocation, scheduling and FPGA reconfiguration. Our technique can handle both time constrained as well as resource constrained synthesis problems. We present results of our algorithm implemented as part of the Match project at Northwestern University.
Fission Product Gamma Activity with Northerly Winds and with Southerly Winds.

The gamma ray activity of particulate matter filtered from air samples of northerly winds and of southerly winds has been studied during the period October 1961 to May 1963 with a scintillation spectrometer. It was found that the gamma activity at 0.75, 0.49, and 0.145 Mev was greater when the wind was southerly than when the wind was northerly during the months December through May; the opposite was true from June through September. The gamma ray activity was least during the summer of 1962, the decrease being more pronounced for southerly winds than for northerly winds. These results can be accounted for by modifying the Brewer-Dobson theory of stratospheric circulation so that during most of the year stratospheric debris first reaches the ground south of latitude 40 ° N. No diurnal effect on the gamma ray activity of the samples could be detected.
Progress in Interferometer and Resonator Fiber Optic Gyros

Fiber-optic gyroscopes (FOGs) have been under investigation worldwide for over fifteen years. The interferometer fiber-optic gyro (IFOG) which has received the most attention among the two most basic FOGs, has recently moved out of the purely research and development environment. Efforts now concentrate on productization of early products, environmental ruggedization, size and cost reductions, as well as further performance improvements. The resonator fiber-optic gyro (RFOG), on the other hand, is still in a purely research and development phase. RFOG development efforts, motivated by the potential for using nominally 30X less fiber to achieve comparable performance to the IFOG, are aimed at demonstrating its performance potential. Solutions to key error mechanisms such as polarization-related error mechanisms are now being demonstrated.
Photorefractive phase conjugation with orthogonally polarized pumping beams

We solve the undepleted-pumps photorefractive four-wave mixing equations for the case of orthogonally polarized pump beams. Advantages over the parallel-polarized-pumps case include the potential for reflectivity enhancement and easy isolation of the conjugator from the source. The phase-conjugate reflectivities for both the parallel and orthogonally polarized pump beam cases were measured with a BaTiO3 crystal, and the results support our theoretical predictions.
Current and Future Economics of Parabolic Trough Technology

Solar energy is the largest energy resource on the planet. Unfortunately, it is largely untapped at present, in part because sunlight is a very diffuse energy source. Concentrating solar power (CSP) systems use low cost reflectors to concentrate the sun’s energy to allow it to be used more effectively. Concentrating solar power systems are also well suited for large solar power plants that can be connected into the existing utility infrastructure. These two facts mean that CSP systems can be used to make a meaningful difference in energy supply in a relatively short period. CSP plants are best suited for the arid climates in the Southwestern United States, Northern Mexico, and many desert regions around the globe. A recent Western Governors’ Association siting study [1] found that the solar potential in the U.S. Southwest is at least 4 times the total U.S. electric demand even after eliminating urban areas, environmentally sensitive areas, and all regions with a ground slope greater than 1%.While it is currently not practical to power the whole county from the desert southwest, only a small portion of this area is needed to make a substantial contribution to future U.S. electric needs. Many of the best sites are near existing high-voltage transmission lines and close to major power load centers in the Southwest (Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix). In addition, the power provided by CSP technologies has strong coincidence with peak electric demand, especially in the Southwest where peak demand corresponds in large part to air conditioning loads. Parabolic troughs currently represent the most cost-effective CSP technology for developing large utility-scale solar electric power systems. These systems are also one of the most mature solar technologies, with commercial utility-scale plants that have been operating for over 20 years. In addition, substantial improvements have been made to the technology in recent years including improved efficiency and the addition of thermal energy storage. The main issue for parabolic trough technology is that the cost of electricity is still higher than the cost of electricity from conventional natural gas-fired power plants. Although higher natural gas prices are helping to substantially reduce the difference between the cost of electricity from solar and natural gas plants, in the near-term increased incentives such as the 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) are needed to make CSP technology approach competitiveness with natural gas power on a financial basis. In the longer term, additional reductions in the cost of the technology will be necessary. This paper looks at the near-term potential for parabolic trough technology to compete with conventional fossil power resources in the firm, intermediate load power market and at the longer term potential to compete in the baseload power market. The paper will consider the potential impact of a reduced carbon emissions future.Copyright © 2007 by Midwest Research Institute
Interacting effects of menhaden oil and sucrose on the lipogenic response to starvation-refeeding

Abstract The interacting effects of fat type and carbohydrate source on the hepatic lipogenic response to starvation-refeeding were studied. Three experiments were conducted using male rats fed ad libitum or starved for 48 hours and refed one of four diets. The diets contained corn or menhaden oil and glucose or sucrose. The activities of NADP-linked glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme were determined as were liver lipid (Experiments 1 and 2) and de novo fatty acid synthesis (Experiment 3). Experiment 1 used Sprague-Dawley rats while experiments 2 and 3 used BHE rats. Rats refed the menhaden oil diets had less of a lipogenic response to starvation-refeeding compared to rats refed the corn oil diets. Sucrose-refed rats had more of an enzyme response and a greater fatty acid synthesis response to refeeding than BHE rats refed either of the menhaden oil diets or the corn oil-glucose diet. The percent increment in these parameters was strain dependent. We conclude that the effectiveness of menhaden oil in decreasing fatty acid synthesis is dependent on the type of carbohydrate in the diet and the genetic character of the animal used.
Photosynthetic production and biomass of the subtropical seagrass halodule wrightii along an estuarine gradient

Seasonal patterns of aboveground and belowground biomass, leaf chlorophyll (chl) content, and in situ differences in photosynthetic parameters were examined in the shoal grass Halodule wrightii along an estuarine gradient in the western Gulf of Mexico. Continuous measurements of biomass were collected over a 5-yr period (1989–1994) with respect to several abiotic factors in three estuarine systems that were characterized by significant differences in salinity and ambient dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN; NO2−+NO3−) regimes that ranged from 5–25‰ (0–80 μM DIN) in the Guadalupe estuary to 35–55‰ (0–9 μM DIN) in the upper Laguna Madre, Photosynthesis versus irradiance (P vs. I) parameters, measured from December 1989 to April 1991, showed no significant differences among the three sites, and there were no significant differences in leaf chlorophyll content and chl a:b ratios among sites over the entire 5-yr period. Saturation irradiance in Halodule wrightii is estimated at 319 μmoles photons m−2 s−1 based on measurements collected at the three sites over a 2-yr period. No strong seasonal variations were observed in total plant biomass, but root:shoot ratios (RSR) showed a clear pattern of maximum RSR values in winter and minimum values in summer. There were no significant differences in RSR among sites, and no consistent correlations could be established between plant parameters and sediment porewater NH4+, salinity, or temperature. Sediment porewater NH4+ values generally ranged from 50 μM to 400 μM (average 130–150 μM) but could not be correlated with significant differences in sediment composition between the sites. The high productivity of Halodule wrightii under a variety of light, nutrient, and salinity conditions explains its ubiquitous distribution and opportunistic strategy as a colonizing species. However, the persistence of a dense algal bloom in Laguna Madre coincident with low DIN levels (<5 μM) contradicts previously accepted relationships on nutrient stimulation of algal growth, and provides strong evidence that water quality parameters for estuarine seagrasses are decidedly estuarine-specific. Consequently, a knowledge of the long-term history of estuarine systems is critical to habitat managers, who are required to establish minimum water quality criteria for the protection of submerged aquatic vegetation in estuarine systems. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A01BY074 00028
Further studies on the susceptibility of raccoons (Procyon lotor) to a rabies virus of skunk origin and comparative susceptibility of striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis).

Two raccoons (Procyon lotor) were inoculated in the masseter muscles with 1059 mouse intracerebral lethal dose50 (MICLD50) of a rabies virus isolated from a naturally infected Iowa (USA) striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis). Five striped skunks were inoculated with either 1007 or 1021 MICLD50 of the same isolate. All five skunks died within 35 days following inoculation. Both raccoons survived 273 days without adverse effects, and virus was not isolated from saliva samples taken at between 25 and 273 days following inoculation.