cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Atorvastatin therapy during the peri-infarct period attenuates left ventricular dysfunction and remodeling after myocardial infarction.

Although statins impart a number of cardiovascular benefits, whether statin therapy during the peri-infarct period improves subsequent myocardial structure and function remains unclear. Thus, we evaluated the effects of atorvastatin on cardiac function, remodeling, fibrosis, and apoptosis after myocardial infarction (MI). Two groups of rats were subjected to permanent coronary occlusion. Group II (n = 14) received oral atorvastatin (10 mg/kg/d) daily for 3 wk before and 4 wk after MI, while group I (n = 12) received equivalent doses of vehicle. Infarct size (Masson's trichrome-stained sections) was similar in both groups. Compared with group I, echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and fractional area change (FAC) were higher while LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and LV end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters (LVESD and LVEDD) were lower in treated rats. Hemodynamically, atorvastatin-treated rats exhibited significantly higher dP/dtmax, end-systolic elastance (Ees), and preload recruitable stroke work (PRSW) and lower LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP). Morphometrically, infarct wall thickness was greater in treated rats. The improvement of LV function by atorvastatin was associated with a decrease in hydroxyproline content and in the number of apoptotic cardiomyocyte nuclei. We conclude that atorvastatin therapy during the peri-infarct period significantly improves LV function and limits adverse LV remodeling following MI independent of a reduction in infarct size. These salubrious effects may be due in part to a decrease in myocardial fibrosis and apoptosis.
Monitoring cure in sheet molding compound processing

During the sheet molding compound (SMC) compression molding process, a premeasured polymer charge is placed between the heated halves of a mold which are then brought together to squeeze the polymer and fill the mold, after which pressure is maintained while the part cures. The cure stage constitutes the larger part of the molding cycle and thus affords the largest potential for cycle time reduction. In general, cure times in SMC processing are set longer than necessary, since the inherent material and process variation make it difficult to predict cure times with more than 10 to 20% accuracy. Accurate methods to detect the end of cure would be very beneficial and would permit opening the mold as soon as the material has cured, avoiding unnecessary waste of time. In this paper, several techniques that show promise for monitoring the state of cure are reviewed and experimental results given. Their relative advantages and accuracies are compared. In particular, the use of linear variable displacement transducers, pressure transducers, and thermocouples is discussed. We also show how the measurements compare to theoretical predictions of the state of cure.
Further Examination of Hovey's “Index” for Identification of Brain Lesions: Validation Study

sight is as good as it has been for years" (F). Hovey's test population consisted of a group of male parients with verifiable brain lesions but without clear-cut neurological symptoms, and a group in which no brain damage was found. Hovey excluded patients with conspicuous deficits, reasoning that a test should be more useful if validated on diagnostic challenges. In a cross-validation study, using a cut-off score of 4, he correctly identified 50% of the brain-damaged patients. The present study sought to validate Hovey's findings. The 5 MMPI items were presented in mimeographed form to a group of 28 braindamaged male Ss and 25 male Ss without brain damage. Brain-damaged Ss were selected from a population of neuropsychiatric outpatients, with the specification that each S have a diagnosis of brain lesion and show clear-cut neurological symptoms. (Half were CVAs and half were head trauma and/or surgicals.) The non-brain-damaged Ss came from the outpatient population of an orthopedic clinic. No S carried a psychiatric diagnosis. Statistical analysis revealed that the 5-item test misdiagnosed a greater number of times than would be expected by chance (xk ..072, df = 1, p = .70). Using a cut-off score of 4, 71.5% of the patients with brain lesions were identified as non-brain-damaged while 28% of rhe patients without brain lesions were identified as brain-damaged. To approximate more closely Hovey's original conditions, a further test was run using 13 neuropsychiatric male patients diagnosed as brain-damaged but without clear-cut neurological symptoms. Inspection of the answer sheets revealed that the 5 "critical" MMPI items again misdiagnosed at a greater frequency than chance, with 92% of the organic patients being identified as nonorganic. The present results do nor substantiate Hovey's original findings and suggest that Hovey's "index" is not presently useful as a clinical instrument.
Feedback linearization in the presence of uncertainties

After a brief review of feedback linearization, several approaches to the problem of parametric uncertainty are outlined, and the adaptive approach to both SISO and MIMO plants is discussed in detail. Based on experience with adaptive control of linear plants, two parameter update laws are chosen for nonlinear plants according to their relative degrees. The simpler of the two adaptive laws is applicable to plants with relative degree one. For plants with higher relative degree the adaptive scheme is more complex, but a simple update law can still be employed in the special case when the state diffeomorphism, required for linearization, does not depend on uncertain parameters. The simpler adaptive scheme is shown to be robust with respect to unmodelled dynamics.
Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer-Tilt

There will be several state-of-the-art spectrometers in operation on the NASA Polar Oribting Platform (NPOP-1) as part of the Earth Observing System. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) will consist of two imaging spectroradiometric instruments, one nadir-viewing (MODIS-N) and the other tiltable (MODIS-T) for ocean observation and land bidirectional reflectance studies. The MODIS-T instrument is required to cover the wavelength range of 400 to 880 nm in approximately 15 steps, have less than 2.3 percent instrument-induced polarization, be calibrated to an absolute radiometric accuracy of at least 5 percent over the full dynamic range of the instrument, have a 1.1 kilometer square instantaneous field of view at nadir, and be capable of + or - 50-deg along-track tilt.
Understanding PPPs and PPP-Based National Accounts: Comment

Angus Deaton and Alan Heston (2010) have done a valuable service in providing just such a guide. Their paper is also a timely contribution given that the final results of the 2005 International Comparison Program (ICP) were released in 2008, provid ing PPP exchange rates based on the ICP price surveys (World Bank 2008a, 2008b). And, a new version of Penn World Tables (PWT 7.0), using the price data from the 2005 ICP, is expected soon. The paper is also timely from the point of view of the design of the forthcoming 2011 ICP. The authors generally focus on the methodological issues rather than specific country results. The big exception is China. The new PPP for China has attracted much public attention and Deaton and Heston (2010) refer to China 40 times. I will begin with some comments on what they say about China's PPP. I will then turn to the broader methodological issues they raise. The final section comments on some implications for current knowledge about macroeconomic aggregates and for cross country regressions, including growth empirics.
Regulation Theory and the Early Assessment of Attachment and Autistic Spectrum Disorders: A Response to Voran's Clinical Case

From the interpersonal neurological perspective of regulation theory, the discussant uses the essential questions raised by the author as a springboard to explore and elaborate upon the larger problem of assessments and interventions in the first year, a critical period for attachment transactions and the brain growth spurt. Describing regulation theory, a theory of the development, pyschopathogenesis and treatment of the implicit self, Dr. Schore divides his discussion into three sections: 1) The Right Brain, Attachment, and Early Human Development, 2) Clinical Implications of Developmental Neuroscience for Early Assessment of Autistic Spectrum Disorders, and 3) Clinical Implications of Developmental Neuropsychoanalysis for Psychodynamic Clinicians.
Role expansion as a persuasion process The interpersonal influence dynamics of role redefinition

Evidence establishes that employees often expand their roles to take on broader responsibilities in response to direct requests from others. However, surprisingly little research has investigated t...
Women's health care in low income countries.

J. Marion Sims Lecture American Urogynecologic Society, 34th Annual Scientific Meeting, Las Vegas, 17 October 2013 J. Marion Sims was committed to the resolution of some of the most challenging problems of women. He developed techniques for fistula repair and built programs and facilities to care for women. If alive today I am certain he would be at the forefront of the topic I wish to discuss. The surgical care of people in low income countries has become a passionate concern of mine. Being the first woman surgeon in my community, I was frequently asked to care for women and address concerns women had about their care. Covering the emergency department, I saw the toll domestic violence had on women. I learned the benefit of supporting our women’s shelter and other charities that empowered women. When I became President of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) in 2011, I visited surgical programs in many countries and met with surgical leaders about their problems. I found out that surgical care was not part of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) public health mission. I found out only 4 % of the WHO budget was allocated to surgical problems; yet, 11% of deaths worldwide were from surgical disease, two thirds of which could have been prevented. More people die annually from surgical problems than acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), tuberculosis (TB), and malaria combined. The majority of deaths were in the young in low income countries. Many were in young women related to complications of pregnancy and childbirth [1]. The acknowledgment by the WHO of the importance of surgical disease is critical to raising funds and developing programs to address these surgical issues. The World Bank gives priority to programs endorsed by the WHO as mission critical. TheMillenniumDevelopment Goals of theWHO and World Bank for 2000 were:
Genetic polymorphisms in telomere pathway genes, telomere length, and breast cancer survival.

The impact of genetic variants in telomere pathway genes on telomere length and breast cancer survival remains unclear. We hypothesized that telomere length and genetic variants of telomere pathway genes are associated with survival among breast cancer patients. A population-based cohort study of 1,026 women diagnosed with a first primary breast cancer was conducted to examine telomere length and 52 genetic variants of 9 telomere pathway genes. Adjusted Cox regression analysis was employed to examine associations between telomere length, genetic variants and all-cause and breast cancer-specific mortality. Longer telomere length was significantly correlated with all-cause mortality in the subgroup with HER-2/neu negative tumors (HR = 1.90, 95 % CI: 1.12–3.22). Carrying the PINX1-33 (rs2277130) G-allele was significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality (HR = 1.45, 95 % CI: 1.06–1.98). Three SNPs (TERF2-03 rs35439397, TERT-14 rs2853677, and TERT-67 rs2853669) were significantly associated with reduced all-cause mortality. A similar reduced trend for breast cancer-specific mortality was observed for carrying the TERT-14 (rs2853677) T-allele (HR = 0.57, 95 % CI: 0.39–0.84), while carrying the POT1-18 (rs1034794) T-allele significantly increased breast cancer-specific mortality (HR = 1.48, 95 % CI: 1.00–2.19). However, none of the associations remained significant after correction for multiple tests. A significant dose–response effect was observed with increased number of unfavorable alleles/genotypes (PINX1-33G-allele, POT1-18T-allele, TERF2-03GG, TERT-14CC, and TERT-67TT genotypes) and decreased survival. These data suggest that unfavorable genetic variants in telomere pathway genes may help to predict breast cancer survival.
Role of Reactive Oxygen Species and Redox in Regulating the Function of Transient Receptor Potential Channels

Cellular redox status, regulated by production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), greatly contributes to the regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell contraction, migration, proliferation, and apoptosis by modulating the function of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in the plasma membrane. ROS functionally interact with the channel protein via oxidizing the redox-sensitive residues, whereas nitric oxide (NO) regulates TRP channel function by cyclic GMP/protein kinase G-dependent and -independent pathways. Based on the structural differences among different TRP isoforms, the effects of ROS and NO are also different. In addition to regulating TRP channels in the plasma membrane, ROS and NO also modulate Ca(2+) release channels (e.g., IP(3) and ryanodine receptors) on the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum membrane. This review aims at briefly describing (a) the role of TRP channels in receptor-operated and store-operated Ca(2+) entry, and (b) the role of ROS and redox status in regulating the function and structure of TRP channels.
Antinuclear antibody testing in systemic autoimmune disease

This article discusses the use and interpretation of antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing in connective tissue diseases. Methods of ANA detection are discussed and analyzed in detail as is the role of ANAs in systemic lupus, scleroderma, and polymyositis, connective tissue diseases with prominent pulmonary involvement.
Arabidopsis PHOSPHOTYROSYL PHOSPHATASE ACTIVATOR Is Essential for PROTEIN PHOSPHATASE 2A Holoenzyme Assembly and Plays Important Roles in Hormone Signaling, Salt Stress Response, and Plant Development

PROTEIN PHOSPHATASE 2A (PP2A) is a major group of serine/threonine protein phosphatases in eukaryotes. It is composed of three subunits: scaffolding subunit A, regulatory subunit B, and catalytic subunit C. Assembly of the PP2A holoenzyme in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) depends on Arabidopsis PHOSPHOTYROSYL PHOSPHATASE ACTIVATOR (AtPTPA). Reduced expression of AtPTPA leads to severe defects in plant development, altered responses to abscisic acid, ethylene, and sodium chloride, and decreased PP2A activity. In particular, AtPTPA deficiency leads to decreased methylation in PP2A-C subunits (PP2Ac). Complete loss of PP2Ac methylation in the suppressor of brassinosteroid insensitive1 mutant leads to 30% reduction of PP2A activity, suggesting that PP2A with a methylated C subunit is more active than PP2A with an unmethylated C subunit. Like AtPTPA, PP2A-A subunits are also required for PP2Ac methylation. The interaction between AtPTPA and PP2Ac is A subunit dependent. In addition, AtPTPA deficiency leads to reduced interactions of B subunits with C subunits, resulting in reduced functional PP2A holoenzyme formation. Thus, AtPTPA is a critical factor for committing the subunit A/subunit C dimer toward PP2A heterotrimer formation.
Binding of benzamidine and protons to trypsin as measured by difference spectra

Abstract The interaction of trypsin and benzamidine causes changes in their ultraviolet absorption spectra; the spectral changes are measured by difference spectroscopy, and it appears that both components contribute to the difference spectrum. The dependence of the height of a difference peak at 248 mμ upon the concentrations of benzamidine and hydrogen ion fits a model in which the two ligands compete for a single class of non-interacting sites on trypsin. The system is characterized by the dissociation constants Kl = 2 × 10−5 m and Kh = 2.4 × 10−5 m , for benzamidine and protons, respectively. A similar difference spectrum is obtained with diisopropyl phosphoryltrypsin, whereas none is obtained with p-toluene sulfonyl- l -lysine chloro ketonetrypsin or with trypsinogen.
Mobile user location update and paging under delay constraints

Wireless personal communication networks (PCNs) consist of a fixed wireline network and a large number of mobile terminals. These terminals are free to travel within the PCN coverage area without service interruption. Each terminal periodically reports its location to the network by a process called location update. When a call for a specific terminal arrives, the network will determine the exact location of the destination terminal by a process called terminal paging. This paper introduces a mobile user location management mechanism that incorporates a distance based location update scheme and a selective paging mechanism that satisfies predefined delay requirements. An analytical model is developed which captures the mobility and call arrival pattern of a terminal. Given the respective costs for location update and terminal paging, the average total location update and terminal paging cost is determined. An iterative algorithm is then used to determine the optimal location update threshold distance that results in the minimum cost. Analytical results are also obtained to demonstrate the relative cost incurred by the proposed mechanism under various delay requirements.
Slow-binding inhibition of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase by zinc ion.

Abstract 6-Phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.44) has been purified fromCryptococcus neoformans,an encapsulated yeast that is an opportunistic pathogen of AIDS patients. The dimeric enzyme had a subunit molecular weight of 50,000, a specific activity of 50 units mg−1, andKmvalues of 13 μ M for 6-phosphogluconate and 0.89 μ M for NADP. This enzyme, like many fungal dehydrogenases, was inhibited by Zn2+, with the inhibition pattern being competitive versus the nonnucleotide substrate. In the presence of micromolar Zn2+, the reaction was biphasic, with the reduction of NADP proceeding initially at the control rate, but, over the time course of 20–300 s, this initial nonlinear phase reached a final, linear steady state with a slower velocity. This pattern is indicative of a slow binding inhibition process, for which we have calculated the following kinetic constants:k6, the limiting rate constant for the transition from initial to final steady state was 0.0024 s−1, corresponding to a half-time of 300 s;K*i, the overall equilibrium constant for the dissociation of E*Zn2+to E + Zn2+was 0.021 μ M .
Fabrication of a nanostructure thermal property measurement platform

Measurements of the electrical and thermal transport properties of one-dimensional nanostructures (e.g. nanotubes and nanowires) are typically obtained without detailed knowledge of the specimen's atomic-scale structure or defects. To address this deficiency, we have developed a microfabricated, chip-based characterization platform that enables both transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the atomic structure and defects as well as measurement of the thermal transport properties of individual nanostructures. The platform features a suspended heater line that physically contacts the center of a suspended nanostructure/nanowire that was placed using in situ scanning electron microscope nanomanipulators. Suspension of the nanostructure across a through-hole enables TEM characterization of the atomic and defect structure (dislocations, stacking faults, etc) of the test sample. This paper explains, in detail, the processing steps involved in creating this thermal property measurement platform. As a model study, we report the use of this platform to measure the thermal conductivity and defect structure of a GaN nanowire.
Sighs too deep for words

At the time, I really didn’t think about why I went. Not going would have been easy enough. Just say no and forget about it. But, I knew I shouldn’t avoid it, if only for selfish reasons. My general rule, when called about a seriously ill or demanding patient, was to go to the bedside and lay eyes and hands on him or her. If I tried to put it off or skate by without seeing the patient, doubts would gnaw at me, and I would be unable to concentrate on my work or, since it was late on a Friday afternoon, enjoy my weekend off. Her primary doctor had not asked me to consult. He hadn’t even let me know she was in the hospital. He must have wanted to spare me the aggravation. Every doctor who knew her would roll his or her eyes and groan at the mention of her name. Her thick chart in my office was filled with notes from a dozen physicians that invariably ended with “I informed Ms. Conner that there was nothing more I could offer her. She is released to the care of her primary doctor.” I had been tempted on countless occasions to tell her the same thing, to wash my hands of her, to end the incessant stream of office visits filled with irremediable complaints. I never told her explicitly not to come back, and, so, she always did, with the same maladies often interspersed with just enough new symptoms to justify more tests, more referrals, more therapies, more sympathy. I stood at the door to her room and hesitated before knocking. I usually don’t wait for an invitation to enter a hospital room. But, on that afternoon, I did everything in fits and starts. I pulled my hand …
A simplified approach for reliability evaluation and component allocation in three-state series and parallel systems composed of non-identical components

Reliability evaluation of systems composed of non-identical multi-state components is a challenging task due to the highly combinatorial nature of the problem. The outcome is a lack of understanding regarding the reliability behavior of a system when components with different magnitudes of failure probabilities are considered, especially when extra components are added. The present work addresses this problem by presenting a simplified approach to analyze variations on reliability profiles of series and parallel systems composed of non-identical three-state components. In addition, this work presents an optimization model for allocation of non-identical components under financial and physical restrictions. The model performed satisfactorily in terms of robustness when different magnitudes of failure probabilities were tested.
Evidence for thyroxine–growth hormone interaction during brain development

Growth-promoting hormones have complementary and synergistic effects on cell growth. In particular, thyroid hormone–growth hormone (GH) interactions are important in the regulation of somatic development1. Although the requirement of thyroid hormone for normal brain development is well established2, the effects of growth-promoting peptide hormones, including GH, nerve growth factor and insulin, on central nervous system development have not been well characterised. To investigate the possibility of a role for GH in normal CNS development, we have measured its effect on the activity of brain ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), a key enzyme in the synthesis of the polyamines, spermidine and spermine3,4. Previously, we reported increased ODC activity in neonatal rat brain after intraperitoneal (i.p.) or intracranial administration of GH and other growth-promoting peptide hormones5, results which have been supported by other data6,7. We now extend our findings to show that GH stimulation of brain ODC activity depends on the presence of thyroid hormone, even though thyroid hormone, by itself, does not stimulate ODC activity in brain. This is in contrast to liver, where GH and thyroid hormones seem to stimulate ODC activity independently. Our results suggest that thyroid hormone selectively alters or modulates the action of GH in mammalian brain and that abnormal brain development observed in hypothyroidism may in part result from decreased expression of GH activity.
TU‐C‐BRE‐08: IMRT QA: Selecting Meaningful Gamma Criteria Based On Error Detection Sensitivity

Purpose: To develop a strategy for defining meaningful tolerance limits and studying the sensitivity of IMRT QA gamma criteria by inducing known errors in QA plans. Methods: IMRT QA measurements (ArcCHECK, Sun Nuclear) were compared to QA plan calculations with induced errors. Many (>24) gamma comparisons between data and calculations were performed for each of several kinds of cases and classes of induced error types with varying magnitudes (e.g. MU errors ranging from -10% to +10%), resulting in over 3,000 comparisons. Gamma passing rates for each error class and case were graphed against error magnitude to create error curves in order to represent the range of missed errors in routine IMRT QA using various gamma criteria. Results: This study demonstrates that random, case-specific, and systematic errors can be detected by the error curve analysis. Depending on location of the peak of the error curve (e.g., not centered about zero), 3%/3mm threshold=10% criteria may miss MU errors of up to 10% and random MLC errors of up to 5 mm. Additionally, using larger dose thresholds for specific devices may increase error sensitivity (for the same X%/Ymm criteria) by up to a factor of two. This analysis will allow clinics to selectmore » more meaningful gamma criteria based on QA device, treatment techniques, and acceptable error tolerances. Conclusion: We propose a strategy for selecting gamma parameters based on the sensitivity of gamma criteria and individual QA devices to induced calculation errors in QA plans. Our data suggest large errors may be missed using conventional gamma criteria and that using stricter criteria with an increased dose threshold may reduce the range of missed errors. This approach allows quantification of gamma criteria sensitivity and is straightforward to apply to other combinations of devices and treatment techniques.« less
The Effect of Pregnancy on Renal Function: Physiology and Pathophysiology

Marked changes in renal function occur with pregnancy. We present a summary of these changes in this review and give insight into possible mechanisms if they are known. Controversies exist regarding the therapy of pregnancy-induced hypertension and asymptomatic and recurrent bacteriuria. The current views on these topics are given. Specific renal diseases are summarized, including transplantation, and optimum management strategies and maternal and fetal prognosis during pregnancy are given.
Microscopic pKa values of Escherichia coli thioredoxin.

Thiol:disulfide oxidoreductases have a CXXC motif within their active sites. To initiate the reduction of a substrate disulfide bond, the thiolate form of the N-terminal cysteine residue (CXXC) of this motif performs a nucleophilic attack. Escherichia coli thioredoxin [Trx (CGPC)] is the best characterized thiol:disulfide oxidoreductase. Previous determinations of the active-site pKa values of Trx have led to conflicting interpretations. Here, 13C-NMR spectroscopy, site-specific isotopic labeling, and site-directed mutagenesis were used to demonstrate that analysis of the titration behavior of wild-type Trx requires the invocation of microscopic pKa values for two interacting active-site residues: Asp26 (7.5 and 9.2) and Cys32 (CXXC; 7.5 and 9.2). By contrast, in two Trx variants, D26N Trx and D26L Trx, Cys32 exhibits a pKa near 7.5 and has a well-defined, single-pKa titration curve. Similarly, in oxidized wild-type Trx, Asp26 has a pKa near 7.5. In CVWC and CWGC Trx, Cys32 exhibits a single pKa near 6.2...
The von Hippel–Lindau tumor suppressor protein

The von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor protein (pVHL) has been shown to bind directly to the alpha subunits of the heterodimeric transcription factor HIF (hypoxia inducible factor). pVHL directs the polyubiquitination and, hence, destruction of HIF in the presence of oxygen. Loss of pVHL function leads to deregulation of HIF target genes, which play critical roles in angiogenesis.
Integration of Ganglioside GT1b Receptor into DPPE and DPPC Phospholipid Monolayers: An X-Ray Reflectivity and Grazing-Incidence Diffraction Study

Using synchrotron grazing-incidence x-ray diffraction (GIXD) and reflectivity, the in-plane and out-of-plane structures of mixed-ganglioside GT1b-phospholipid monolayers were investigated at the air-liquid interface and compared with monolayers of the pure components. The receptor GT1b is involved in the binding of lectins and toxins, including botulinum neurotoxin, to cell membranes. Monolayers composed of 20 mol % ganglioside GT1b, the phospholipid dipalmitoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DPPE), and the phospholipid dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) were studied in the gel phase at 23C and at surface pressures of 20 and 40 mN/m, and at pH 7.4 and 5. Under these conditions, the two components did not phase-separate, and no evidence of domain formation was observed. The x-ray scattering measurements revealed that GT1b was intercalated within the host DPPE/DPPC monolayers, and slightly expanded DPPE but condensed the DPPC matrix. The oligosaccharide headgroups extended normally from the monolayer surfaces into the subphase. This study demonstrated that these monolayers can serve as platforms for investigating toxin membrane binding and penetration.
Offender Variables: Unique Predictors of Benevolence, Avoidance, and Revenge?

Abstract Past research on interpersonal forgiveness has emphasized traits of the betrayed partner (e.g., forgivingness, empathy, narcissism) or relationship factors (e.g., relational closeness) in predicting forgiveness, but has rarely considered characteristics of offenders. The current project examined the unique contribution of offenders’ personality over and above established predictors of forgiveness (e.g., relational closeness to offender, betrayal severity, forgivingness, narcissism) as assessed by outcomes on the Transgression-Related Interpersonal Motivations (TRIM) inventory. It was expected that offender traits (such as empathy, Honesty-Humility, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness) would account for additional, unique variance in predicting forgiveness. Results for TRIM-Benevolence, Avoidance, and Revenge supported the study’s hypotheses, indicating that victim perceptions of offender personality also are important in predicting forgiveness.
UV resonance Raman investigations of peptide and protein structure and dynamics.

A study was conducted to demonstrate ultraviolet resonance Raman (UVRR) investigations of peptide and protein structure and dynamics. The tuning of the excitation wavelengths allowed the probing of different chromophoric segments of a macromolecule. Another advantage of deep UV Raman measurements was that there was no interference from molecular relaxed fluorescence, as those chromophores that had their first transition below 260 nm were highly flexible and possessed small fluorescence quantum yields. UVRR was also used in pump-probe measurements to give kinetic information on fast biological processes. It was a powerful technique for studying static protein structure and for studying protein dynamics, such as in protein folding. The rapid development of UVRR was aided by the latest advancements in lasers, optics, and detectors.
Evaluation of a large glass-ceramic mirror blank.

A statistically designed study was performed to evaluate the homogeneity of selected properties of a large CER-VIT C-101 glass–ceramic mirror blank. A blank 1.9 m in diameter and 0.3 m thick weighing ~2180 kg was sampled to determine if the chemical composition, the density, the birefringence, and the linear coefficient of thermal expansion were dependent on the position within the blank. The blank had good homogeneity. The properties varied little throughout the blank, except for birefringence, which varied systematically with position.
Life's lessons from children's athletics: it's more than a game.

Nothing good comes in life or athletics unless a lot of hard work has preceded the effort. Only temporary success is achieved by taking shortcuts.
A knowledge based approach to the faculty-course assignment problem

Abstract This paper considers the problem of assigning faculty to courses at a university. Traditional operations research methods emphasizing the use of mathematical models suffer several shortcomings, including poor handling of qualitative data, undue abstraction from the problem, difficulty of problem formulation, and the combinatorial problem. This paper presents a knowledge-based system (KBS) approach to the faculty-course assignment problem that is believed to offer advantages over previous mathematical scheduling methods. A variety of criteria such as course preferences by faculty, scheduled course offerings, faculty teaching load and maximum number of days an instructor teaches per week are considered in developing the model. This KBS was applied to a department in a major university, and real-world faculty-course assignment examples were used to illustrate the model's potential. The KBS's recommendations were subsequently validated by the course coordinators. The system demonstrates that KBSs can be an effective tool for faculty-course scheduling.
National trends in the surgical staging of corpus cancer: A pattern-of-practice survey

Objective To survey general gynecologists regarding the nature of surgical staging of corpus cancer as practiced in the United States. Methods A survey tool was designed to ascertain issues related to surgical staging of corpus cancer among gynecologists in the United States. The survey elicited data pertaining to the demographics and practice characteristics of the respondents. The questionnaire was sent to 700 practicing gynecologists selected randomly from the ACOG membership list. Results Responses were obtained from 227 physicians; however, only 193 could be analyzed. Most of the respondents classified themselves as general gynecologists (93%) and nonacademicians (90%). In a typical year, 60% evaluated fewer than five patients with corpus cancer. A minority of respondents carry out surgical staging of their patients, which includes total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TAHBSO), removal of pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes, and cytologic evaluation of peritoneal fluid. No uniformity was observed regarding the numeric definition of an appropriate “sampling” (median 5, range 1–25) or “dissection” (median 10, range 1–40) of lymph nodes. Most respondents would not return a corpus cancer patient to the operating room to carry out lymph node dissection if a referring colleague had performed TAHBSO but had not removed the nodes. In such a scenario, private practitioners were approximately three times less likely to reoperate on lymph nodes than academic physicians. Conclusion Complete surgical staging is not performed by most physicians caring for women with corpus cancer. The relatively high proportion of nonresponders and nonevaluable responses suggests that these results should be corroborated by other investigators.
The Effects of Time Pressure on Controlling Reactions to Persons With Mental Illness

Population surveys suggest that the general public stigmatizes persons with mental illness less than in the past. However, implicit attitude measures find that immediate reactions to mentally ill persons are still negative among both the general public and people diagnosed with mental illness. Time-course data suggest that these reactions may be dynamic, with immediate negative reactions becoming less prejudicial over time. We manipulated time pressures imposed upon social judgments about a mentally ill person. Participants perceived a mentally ill person as dangerous when forced to respond quickly; participants given ample time to respond were less likely to have this perception.
Reading Emerson in Neoliberal Times Contesting the Abandonment of Autonomy

Nineteenth-century American political thinkers like Emerson, Thoreau, and Whitman advocated for and sought to exemplify a life of self-direction and critical self-reflection, or personal autonomy, as a means of contesting entrenched routines of democratic-capitalist normalization and as a way of resisting a host of institutional disciplinary pressures. Today, the ideal of personal autonomy within a diverse liberal society is branded by many as a form of “comprehensive” disciplinary normalization in its own right. In this essay I offer a reconsideration of this reversal in the appraisal of the value of autonomy within pluralistic democratic societies and argue that the abandonment of autonomy is a symptom of a mistaken understanding of the personal-ethical qualities upon which a democratic culture depends and a maladaptive concession to neoliberal norms. To confront these challenges, I draw upon a range of Emerson’s writings to offer some ideas about how a reconstructed ideal of aspirational autonomy might...
Changes in Ribosome‐associated Proteins during Sea Urchin Development

Ribosomes isolated from unfertilised eggs of the sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, have a higher protein: RNA ratio than ribosomes extracted from blastula stage ribosomes. Approximately 64 additional protein equivalents are found per ribosome. Most of the proteins are of high molecular weight and are tightly bound, being resistant to high-salt and EDTA treatment. The majority of the proteins appear to be basic in nature and remain associated with the 40S subunit on dissociation of the ribosomes. The possible physiological significance of the additional proteins is discussed in terms of the activation of protein synthesis following fertilisation. Sea urchin ribosomes, isolated from various stages of development, showed differential protein-labelling patterns. The high molecular-weight proteins had preferentially higher specific activities and one ribosomal protein was particularly highly labelled, reaching a maximum at the gastrula stage of development. The functional role of this highly labelled protein during development is discussed.
SARS Coronavirus nsp1 Protein Induces Template-Dependent Endonucleolytic Cleavage of mRNAs: Viral mRNAs Are Resistant to nsp1-Induced RNA Cleavage

SARS coronavirus (SCoV) nonstructural protein (nsp) 1, a potent inhibitor of host gene expression, possesses a unique mode of action: it binds to 40S ribosomes to inactivate their translation functions and induces host mRNA degradation. Our previous study demonstrated that nsp1 induces RNA modification near the 5′-end of a reporter mRNA having a short 5′ untranslated region and RNA cleavage in the encephalomyocarditis virus internal ribosome entry site (IRES) region of a dicistronic RNA template, but not in those IRES elements from hepatitis C or cricket paralysis viruses. By using primarily cell-free, in vitro translation systems, the present study revealed that the nsp1 induced endonucleolytic RNA cleavage mainly near the 5′ untranslated region of capped mRNA templates. Experiments using dicistronic mRNAs carrying different IRESes showed that nsp1 induced endonucleolytic RNA cleavage within the ribosome loading region of type I and type II picornavirus IRES elements, but not that of classical swine fever virus IRES, which is characterized as a hepatitis C virus-like IRES. The nsp1-induced RNA cleavage of template mRNAs exhibited no apparent preference for a specific nucleotide sequence at the RNA cleavage sites. Remarkably, SCoV mRNAs, which have a 5′ cap structure and 3′ poly A tail like those of typical host mRNAs, were not susceptible to nsp1-mediated RNA cleavage and importantly, the presence of the 5′-end leader sequence protected the SCoV mRNAs from nsp1-induced endonucleolytic RNA cleavage. The escape of viral mRNAs from nsp1-induced RNA cleavage may be an important strategy by which the virus circumvents the action of nsp1 leading to the efficient accumulation of viral mRNAs and viral proteins during infection.
Spectral analysis of photoplethysmograms from radial forearm free flaps.

Objective: Photoplethysmography utilizes a green-light-emitting diode to transmit light into a tissue. Reflected light from hemoglobin in dermal capillary red blood cells is received by a photo detector and is analyzed as light intensity along a frequency spectrum. This method of analysis allows for the removal of noise above (stray light and alternating current [AC]) and below (room vibrations and respiratory motion) the peak signal (1 to 2 Hz) and results in a means to distinguish between perfused and non-perfused tissues. Methods: Twenty-two of 30 consecutive radial forearm free flap (RFFF) patients were enrolled in an approved human studies protocol to collect descriptive data for RFFFs that were perfused, arterial occluded, and venous occluded. The protocol was performed following completion of flap elevation and prior to pedicle ligation, flap inset, and microvascular anastomoses. Six 90-second measurements per flap were obtained (n = 132), processed by fast Fourier transform (FFT), and analyzed by blinded reviewers to determine their state of perfusion. Signal was collected 5 minutes after the onset or release of individual vessel occlusion. Results: The reviewers' interpretations were compared with the status of the pedicle and analyzed for sensitivity (0.96), specificity (0.95), and positive predictive value (0.98). Conclusions: FFT analysis of photoplethysmograms from RFFF patients provides an accurate and rapid means for determining RFFF pedicle vessel patency. Photoplethysmography may provide a clinically useful tool for postoperative perfusion monitoring of free flaps in the future.
Interferometric synthetic aperture radar observations of the 1994 Double Spring Flat, Nevada, earthquake (M5.9): Main shock accompanied by triggered slip on a conjugate fault

[1] The 1994 Double Spring Flat (DSF) earthquake (M5.9) was the largest earthquake to strike Nevada in more than 30 years. It occurred in the Sierra Nevada-Basin and Range Transition Zone within a step-over region between two major normal faults. Descending and ascending ERS interferograms show a maximum range change of 8.5 cm which is the coseismic ground displacement associated with this normal, oblique-slip, moderatesized earthquake. Elastic inverse modeling and surface displacements across coseismic ground cracks suggest that two different event sources could account for the observed deformation. The first source was the main shock with right-oblique slip on the northnorthwest striking DSF fault. The second source was normal faulting on a shallow, northnortheast striking, elongated plane (conjugate to the DSF fault). These two sources are consistent with the pattern of postevent seismicity, and we suggest that the second source represents seismic and aseismic slip triggered by the main shock. Calculations of changes in Coulomb failure stress show that the main shock encouraged normal slip on this plane. INDEX TERMS: 1206 Geodesy and Gravity: Crustal movements—interplate (8155); 1241 Geodesy and Gravity: Satellite orbits; 1242 Geodesy and Gravity: Seismic deformations (7205); 1299 Geodesy and Gravity: General or miscellaneous; 7212 Seismology: Earthquake ground motions and engineering;
Effects of Three Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products on Natural Freshwater Algal Assemblages

Treated wastewaters in the United States contain detectable quantities of surfactants, antibiotics, and other types of antimicrobial chemicals contained in pharmaceutical and personal-care products (PPCPs) that are released into stream ecosystems. The degradation characteristics of many of these chemicals are not yet known, nor are the chemical properties of their byproducts. They also are not currently mandated for removal under the U.S. Clean Water Act. Three representative PPCPs were individually tested in this study using a series of laboratory dilution bioassays: Ciprofloxacin (an antibiotic), Triclosan (an anti-microbial agent), and Tergitol NP 10 (a surfactant), to determine their effects on natural algal communities sampled both upstream and downstream of the Olathe, KS wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). There were no significant treatment effects on algal community growth rates during the exponential phase of growth, but significant differences were observed in the final biomass yields (p < 0.00...
GIS-based detection of grain boundaries

The recognition of grain boundaries in deformed rocks from images of thin-sections or polished slabs is an essential step in describing and quantifying various fabric elements and strain. However, many of the methods in use today require labor-intensive manual digitization of grain boundary information. Here, we propose an automated, GIS-based method to detect grain boundaries and construct a grain boundary database in which the shape, orientation, and spatial distribution of grains can be quantified and analyzed in a reproducible manner. The proposed method includes a series of operations and functions to identify grain boundaries and construct the grain boundary database. These processes are integrated into a GIS model using ArcGIS ModelBuilder; thus, little or no operator intervention is required to perform the entire analysis. The method was evaluated using thin section images taken from three sandstone samples. The results indicate that the proposed method can correctly identify >70% of grains recognized manually without any intervention and is especially suitable for analyses where large numbers of grains are required.
The Meaning of Audiolingual.

upon the best way to present his subject. Should he take sharply to task those who have misunderstood, misused, and debased the term in question, call down the wrath of Minerva upon all critics and detractors, winding up with the fervent rallying cry: "Audiolingual Forever"? Or should he take a forensic approach, with a vigorous setting forth of pros and cons, of prosecution and defence, in the manner of a Perry Mason trial, proceeding from an indictment titled "The People vs. Audiolingual" and appointing the present audience to be the jury and convict or acquit? Or thirdly, should he content himself with a calm and careful recital of the facts, correcting errors where they have been made and supplying information that up to now has not been generally available? This treatment would permit a review of what audiolingual was intended to mean, of what it has come to mean, and permit also a look ahead to see what it still could mean in a professional view of our work.
Nanoantennas with short wavelength resonance

Carbon nanotubes have been shown to exhibit light antenna behavior, such as polarization and length dependence, and enhancement of incident electromagnetic radiation at resonance. We study and model resonance effects from planar metallic nanoantennas, as a function of nanoantenna dimensions and material properties. We discuss the challenges of designing a two-dimensional nanoantenna array with resonance in the short wavelength (blue-green) region of the visible spectrum, constructed from different materials and in different environments.
Molecules We Have Recently Met

Brief summaries are given of work on the vibrational spectra of the following compounds. (1)N(SiH3)3. A Raman study of the 14N-15N isotopic shift of the totally symmetric NSi3 stretching mode confirms that the heavy atom skeleton is planar in the gas phase. In condensed phases it is slightly distorted from D3h in some undetermined manner. (2) Si(NCO)4, Ge(NCO)4, and Ge(N3)4. Each of these molecules has some Raman bands with depolarization ratios between 0 and 0.75, showing that the molecules are not tetrahedral. (3) Cyclopropenone-d0 and -d2. A good assignment of the fundamentals has been made, and the forms of the normal modes calculated. The hands at 1483 cm−1 (d0) and 1409 cm−1 (d2) are nearly pure C=C stretches, making them the lowest such modes known. (4, 5) Tetramethylenecyclobutane and its perchloro derivative. The former is planar (D4h); the latter is not (D2d). (6) F2C=C=C=CF2. This is planar (D2d). (7) B4Cl4. This has an unusual B4 tetrahedral cage. A reliable set of assignments has been made and force constants determined. (8) Trithiadiborolanes. The B2S3 ring is planar.