cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modified uridines are the key to a successful message.

Katalin Kariko describes the discovery that replacing uridine with pseudouridine renders RNA non-immunogenic. This paved the way for developing mRNA for protein replacement therapy and, surprisingly, also for mRNA-based vaccine development.
Male sex, Gustillo-Anderson type III open fracture and definitive external fixation are risk factors for a return to the or following the surgical management of geriatric low energy open ankle fractures.

INTRODUCTION Open ankle fractures in geriatric (age > 60 years) patients are a source of significant morbidity and mortality. Surgical management includes plate and screw fixation (ORIF), retrograde hindfoot nail (HFN), definitive external fixation (ex-fix) and below knee amputation. However, each modality poses unique challenges for this population. We sought to identify predictors of unplanned OR and short-term mortality after geriatric open ankle fractures managed by our service. MATERIALS AND METHODS In an IRB-approved protocol, we evaluated patients over 60 years of age managed for a low energy open ankle/distal tibia pilon fracture by trauma fellowship-trained surgeons from a single academic department that covers two level I trauma centers. Our primary outcome was an unplanned return to the OR. Secondary outcomes were a 90-day "event", defined as an all-cause hospital readmission or mortality, and 1-year mortality. Differences with a p-value < 0.1 measured on univariate analysis were evaluated using a multivariable logistic regression to identify independent outcome predictors. RESULTS A total of 113 (60 ORIF, 36 HFN, 11 ex-fix, 6 amputations) were performed. Cohort mean age was 75.2 ± 9.8 years, and 31 patients (27.4%) were male. Mean age-adjusted charlson comorbidity index was 5.5 ± 2.0. Significant independent predictors of an unplanned return to the OR were male sex (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.3 to 15.4), Gustilo Type III open fracture (OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.5 to 17.5) and ex-fix (OR 15.6, 95% CI 2.7 to 126.3). Independent predictors of a 90-day "event" were walker/minimal ambulation (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.3 to 10.4), surgical site infection (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.8 to 13.8) and reduced BMI (OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.9 - 0.99), while independent predictors of 1-year mortality were age (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.003 to 1.2), ACCI (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.0) and walker/minimal ambulator (OR 7.5, 95% CI 1.7 to 53) CONCLUSIONS: Host factors, particularly pre-operative mobility, were most predictive of 90-day event and 1-year mortality. Only definitive external fixation was found to influence patient morbidity as a significant predictor of unplanned OR. However, no surgical modality had any influence on short-term readmission or survival.
Surgical approach for soft tissue sarcoma: standard of care and future approaches.

Purpose of review This review highlights the ongoing importance of surgical resection as the primary treatment modality for localized soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) in all locations and for the majority of histologic types. Accomplishing this goal in an oncologic fashion is of paramount importance for all patients eligible for treatment with curative intent and for selected patients with metastatic disease. Recent findings Ongoing advances in combined modality therapy and improved knowledge regarding the natural history and disease biology of individual sarcoma subtypes have allowed for better surgical planning and tailoring of the extent of resection depending on individual clinical, radiographic, and pathologic factors. Summary Successful therapy for localized STS remains contingent on surgical resection with tumor-free margins. It is hoped that ongoing advances in the molecular and genetic understanding of the pathogenesis and biology of STS will lead to sustained improvements in the care of these patients, and success will come from the ongoing development of targeted therapies and immunotherapies specific to histologic type.
Survivorship and Complications of Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty with a Mid-Modular Femoral Stem

We retrospectively reviewed 161 revision THAs with diaphyseal fitting, mid-modular femoral components performed by ten surgeons at two academic medical centers. The average follow-up was 6.1 years. At final follow-up, 4 patients required re-revision for failure of the femoral component; 3 (2%) for aseptic loosening and 1 for mechanical failure of stem in setting of periprosthetic fracture. There were a total of 24 (14.9%) revisions for any reason, with the most common reason being septic failure (10 of 24). To our knowledge, this is the largest reported series of mid-term survivorship and complications of revision THA with mid-modular femoral components. Our results show that these stems have a low rate of aseptic loosening, subsidence, and mechanical failure.
Passive, BA, and Topic Constructions

The focus of this study so far has been the relation between Case and lexical NPs. Case Theory, however, is relevant not only to overt NPs but also to empty categories. Within the GB framework, chains get one Case. Therefore, NP-traces must be Caseless and variables must be assigned Case. NP-traces are generated by processes of NP-movement, such as passivization and raising. Variables are generated by processes of Wh-movement, such as topicalization and relativization. In the discussions in chapters 4 and 5 I have implicitly assumed that both NP-movement and Wh-movement exist in Chinese, generating NP-traces that are Caseless and variables that must be Case-marked. Moreover, I have assumed that these empty categories are subject to the Empty Category Principle (ECP). These assumptions have contributed significantly to the account of word order and extraction facts concerning multiple complementation structures.
Program Transformation: What, How, and Why

Transformation can be viewed as a philosophy on how to achieve change. A rigorous treatment of transformation has its roots in equational reasoning—the idea that equals can be substituted for equals. This article explores transformation as it applies to the manipulation of software. Keywords: program transformation; rewriting; strategic programming
Improved Skin Test for Detection of T-2 Toxin

A modified rat skin test based on dermatitic properties of trichothecenes is described which is quick, convenient, and sensitive to 0.05 mug of T-2 toxin.
High-resolution on-chip imaging using synthetic aperture

We report a synthetic-aperture-based on-chip lensfree microscope. Having a wide field-of-view of ∼20.5 mm2, this technique sets the largest numerical aperture (1.4) for on-chip microscopy.
Comparison of the indirect immunobead, radiolabeled, and immunofluorescence assays for immunoglobulin G serum antibodies to human sperm

The relative sensitivities of the indirect immunobead test, the indirect flo cytometric immunofluorescence assay, and an indirect radiolabeled antiglobulin assay were compared. Eighteen immunobead test positive sera and 18 negative sera were used as the standard for the other two assays. Of the 18 positive sera, 14 (77%) and 5 (27%) were positive in the immunofluorescence assay and the radiolabeled antiglobulin assay, respectively. Four (22%) of the low titer immunobead test positive sera were negative by both the immunofluorescence assay and the radiolabeled antiglobulin assay. However, there was a significant positive correlation between the results of the immunofluorescence assay and the radiolabeled antiglobulin assay (r = 0.73) and between the results of the radiolabeled antiglobulin assay and the titer of the immunobead test (r = 0.82). The use of an unselected sperm population in the radiolabeled antiglobulin assay and the classical indirect immunofluorescence method using methanol-fixed sperm gave false-positive results in the radiolabeled antiglobulin assay and the immunofluorescence assay. These results suggested that immunoglobulin G antisperm antibody positive sera may be reactive both to sperm surface and internalized sperm antigens.
Family history of skin cancer is associated with early-onset basal cell carcinoma independent of MC1R genotype.

Abstract Background As a marker of genetic susceptibility and shared lifestyle characteristics, family history of cancer is often used to evaluate an individual's risk for developing a particular malignancy. With comprehensive data on pigment characteristics, lifestyle factors, and melanocortin 1 receptor ( MC1R ) gene sequence, we sought to clarify the role of family history of skin cancer in early-onset basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Materials and methods Early onset BCC cases ( n =376) and controls with benign skin conditions ( n =383) under age 40 were identified through Yale dermatopathology. Self-report data on family history of skin cancer (melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer), including age of onset in relatives, was available from a structured interview. Participants also provided saliva samples for sequencing of MC1R . Results A family history of skin cancer was associated with an increased risk of early-onset BCC (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.80–3.45). In multivariate models, family history remained a strong risk factor for early-onset BCC after adjustment for pigment characteristics, UV exposure, and MC1R genotype (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.74–3.35). Conclusions Risk for BCC varied based upon the type and age of onset of skin cancer among affected relatives; individuals with a first-degree relative diagnosed with skin cancer prior to age 50 were at highest risk for BCC (OR 4.79, 95% CI 2.90–7.90). Even after taking into account potential confounding effects of MC1R genotype and various lifestyle factors that close relatives may share, family history of skin cancer remained strongly associated with early-onset BCC.
On the Soft Real-Time Optimality of Global EDF on Multiprocessors: From Identical to Uniform Heterogeneous

Under the definition of soft real-time (SRT) correctness that requires deadline tardiness to be bounded, both the pre-emptive and non-pre-emptive global EDF (GEDF) schedulers are known to be SRT-optimal on identical multiprocessors. This paper considers the potential extension of these results to uniform heterogeneous multiprocessors. In the pre-emptive case, it is shown that such an extension is possible for two-processor platforms but unlikely for platforms of more than two processors, unless fundamentally new proof techniques are developed. In the non-pre-emptive case, it is shown that no work-conserving scheduler, including GEDF, can be SRT-optimal on uniform multiprocessors, even if the number of processors is limited to two.
Testing minimum performance levels for kanban-controlled lines

The production literature has focused on the problem of setting the number of kanbans to achieve a given performance level. However, in practice, station supervisors are given the authority to set kanban numbers and the management problem is to determine the minimum performance level required of each station to obtain a desired line production rate. This paper shows how to find the minimum performance levels necessary to guarantee production rates independently of the average station processing times used.
Bostwickite, a New Calcium Manganese Silicate Hydrate from Franklin, New Jersey

Bostwickite, CaMn6 3+Si3O16-7H2O, is a new species from the Franklin Mine, Franklin, New Jersey. Chemical analysis yielded MgO 0.9, CaO 5.1, Mn2O3 56.3, Fe2O3 0.5, Al2O3 1.0, As2O5 1.0, SiO2 20.1, H2O [15.1], sum = 100.0%. This yields (Ca0.76Mg0.19)Σ0.95(Mn5.97 3+Fe0.05 3+)Σ6.02(Si2.80Al0.16As0.07 5+)Σ6.02(Si2.80Al0.16AS5+ 0.07)Σ3.03O16·7.01H2O, corresponding to the idealized formula. The strongest lines in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern are (d, I): 11.3, 100; 3.548, 30; 2.898, 30; 2.567, 40; 2.262, 25; 2.238, 25; 1.470, 25. Bostwickite is dark red in colour; hardness c. 1 (Mohs'); density (meas.)= 2.93 g/cm3. It occurs in radial aggregates of acicular compound crystals. Optically, bostwickite is biaxial negative with 2Vα = 25deg; α = 1.775, Β = 1.798, γ = 1.800;, dispersion strong, r > v; strongly pleochroic with α = β redbrown, γ = yellow-brown; absorption is α = β = γ. Bostwickite is named in honour of Richard C. Bostwick, collector and compiler of data on the minerals of Franklin and Sterling Hill.
Characterization of P5, a novel NFAT/AP-1 site in the human IL-4 promoter.

Interleukin 4 (IL-4) gene expression is controlled at the level of transcription by the complex interactions of multiple factors that bind to a proximal promoter region. Nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) can bind up to five purine-rich sequences in the IL-4 promoter termed the P elements (P0-P4). In this paper, we characterize a novel P element in the upstream region of the human IL-4 promoter that we term P5. P5 shares a core NFAT motif ((-353)GGAAA(-357)) and additional sequence similarity with the other P elements and supported strong interactions between the NFATp DNA-binding domain (DBD) and the AP-1 proteins cFos and cJun in DNA-binding assays. Inducibility of the IL-4 promoter was significantly impaired in a reporter construct in which the P5 element was mutated in the context of the full-length promoter. We conclude that P5 represents a novel IL-4 promoter P element that contributes to IL-4 promoter inducibility.
Where there's a will, there's a way: fundraising for the academic library

Purpose – The key to a successful library development and fundraising program is a synergistic relationship between development professionals and librarians. The purpose of this paper is to investigate this relationship.Design/methodology/approach – The paper focuses on the partnership in achieving the library mission and its fundraising goals.Findings – The study finds that raising funds for any academic library requires commitment and leadership of the library dean and the development officer. With library faculty and staff members' input, the library development team must work together in writing a compelling case statement that has high dramatic and emotional impact on the mission of the library and the institution.Originality/value – The paper identifies three key elements that library faculty and staff can provide to support any successful library development program.
A simplified intracranial cannula for chemical stimulation or long-term infusion of the brain ☆

Abstract A small, easily constructed, lightweight cannula assembly is described for chronic or acute intracerebral injections of solutions into small animals. Stainless steel injector and guide cannulae are fitted to the plastic cap and Luer end of a disposable tuberculin syringe. Details of fabrication and usage are presented.
Sex differences in mate choice among the “Nebraska” Amish of Central Pennsylvania

Abstract An analysis of 190 marriages in the "Nebraska" Amish population of Central Pennsylvania demonstrates systematic differences between male and female marriage patterns. Exogamous females marry 3.4 years older than endogamous females, perhaps because they must search farther afield for a mate. Patrilocal residence is twice as frequent as matrilocal. When churches fission, males tend to regroup with their male relatives at the expense of females regrouping with their female relatives. These male biases in residence patterns and church affiliation are presumeably due to preferential male farm inheritance, and the importance of reciprocal male labor. Mate choice is seen as a strategy for consolidating resources and ultimately for increasing reproductive success.
Chromatin: Receiver and Quarterback for Cellular Signals

Signal transduction pathways converge upon sequence-specific DNA binding factors to reprogram gene expression. Transcription factors, in turn, team up with chromatin modifying activities. However, chromatin is not simply an endpoint for signaling pathways. Histone modifications relay signals to other proteins to trigger more immediate responses than can be achieved through altered gene transcription, which might be especially important to time-urgent processes such as the execution of cell-cycle check points, chromosome segregation, or exit from mitosis. In addition, histone-modifying enzymes often have multiple nonhistone substrates, and coordination of activity toward different targets might direct signals both to and from chromatin.
Time-sensitive search for chemical agents in γ-ray spectra

Abstract We have performed a search for Sarin, a chemical warfare agent, in luggage-sized sealed containers in order to illustrate how effectively and quickly a search could be conducted in a fixed installation at airports, embassies, government buildings, military installations, and other public areas. A portable neutron generator and a Californium source were used, generating up to 10 8 neutrons per second, that penetrate into a container and are capable of exciting a sample in a period of approximately 10 s, to produce enough γ radiation that target elements within the sample can be identified. In the vast majority of cases, there is no chemical agent present, so the question becomes how long to search. We show results of tests for sensitivity of this technique as a function of time. We have also developed background or typical samples with no chemical agent present to estimate the false positive rate for this technique.
Dynamics and control of an omnidirectional unmanned ground vehicle

An unmanned ground vehicle with the ability to change directions without a significant loss in speed would haver superior mobility in confined spaces and tight corridors compared to Ackerman-steered or skid-steered vehilces. Omnidirectional vehicles, which can move in any planar direction regardless of their current kinematic pose, inherently have this capability. However, most omnidirectional vehicle designs are not practical for outdoor use because they are based on specialized wheels that can easily become clogged with dirt and debris. This paper presents a dynamic model of an omnidirectional UGV designed to operate in outdoor, real-world environments at sppeds high enough to excite the dynamics of the vehicle. The analysis includes derivation of vehicle's equations of motion and a control strategy using inverse dynamics. Simulation results are shown to validate the model.
Ultrasonic waves: their interferometric measurement and display.

A system for the measurement and visualization of small displacements has been developed that features high sensitivity and acoustic-wavelength-limited resolution over apertures as large as 15 cm at frequencies up to 10 MHz. Acoustic-wave displacement amplitudes as small as 0.07 A are measured by interferometrically detecting the motion of a thin, acoustically transparent, metallized pellicle as the ultrasonic wave passes through it. The system can also be adapted to measure and display any small vibratory motion. The basic arrangement is that of the Michelson interferometer with the addition of an open-loop method to stabilize the response and a deflection system in one leg of the interferometer to scan the pellicle. Presently, the system is used in the study of the interactions of ultrasonic waves with biologic tissue and the observation and measurement of radiation patterns of acoustic transducers.
Stability of periodic solutions based on higher order variational equations

Abstract In a non-linear system, a disturbance away from a known periodic solution is expressed as μx, where μ is a small parameter. Perturbation of the governing equation in powers of μ leads to a sequence of equations, the first of which is the conventional variational equation for infinitesimal stability, amenable to Floquet theory. Solutions of the succeeding equations contain terms which are products of periodic functions and exponentials, as well as secular terms. The latter are inconsistent with a simple criterion of stability, but may be removed, as illustrated in an example related to the parametric excitation of a pendulum, by a procedure similar to that of Lindstedt. A comparison with the conventional analysis employing only one variational equation determines the magnitude of the disturbances within which infinitesimal stability may be assumed valid.
Acute effects of withdrawal of cardiac resynchronization therapy on left and right ventricular function, dyssynchrony, and contractile function in patients with New York Heart Association functional class I/II heart failure: MADIT-CRT.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves left ventricular (LV) function, size, mitral regurgitation, and clinical outcomes. Whether these improvements are due to the short-term effects of improvement in synchrony or contractile performance, or to long-term improvement in ventricular structure and function remains insufficiently elucidated. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used echocardiographic data from 63 patients enrolled in the MADIT-CRT trial who, after 1 year of CRT therapy, underwent echocardiographic evaluation with CRT turned both on and off within minutes. LV volumes, LV ejection fraction, left atrial (LA) volumes, and right ventricular function were assessed at baseline and in the on and off modes within a 5-minute time-frame at 12 months. Speckle-tracking strain analysis was used to assess LV dyssynchrony and contractile function. Interruption of long-term CRT resulted in acute deterioration of LV and RV function and acute increase in LV and LA volumes, although not to baseline. Acute withdrawal was also associated with increased dyssynchrony (SD time to peak transverse strain 178 ± 68 ms vs 195 ± 62 ms; P = .16; and SD time to peak longitudinal strain 108 ± 46 ms vs 125 ± 55 ms; P = .046). However, there was no deterioration in contractile function (global longitudinal strain), which had improved with CRT (-9.8 ± 4.3% vs -10.0 ± 3.7%; P = .93). CONCLUSIONS: Despite substantial LV reverse remodeling with CRT, interruption of long-term CRT after 12 months resulted in an acute worsening of LV size and function, LA volumes, and right ventricular function, with concomitant worsening of ventricular synchrony despite minimal change to the observed improvement in LV strain measures of contractile function. These findings suggest that the beneficial reverse remodeling associated with CRT may be mostly dependent on active pacing, although intrinsic improvements in contractile function may persist beyond termination of pacing.
Preharvest furrow and drip irrigation schedule effects on postharvest muskmelon quality

Abstract A two-year study was conducted on the effects of furrow or drip irrigation applied 1, 2 or 4 days prior to harvest (following all plots having been watered 8 days prior to harvest) on the postharvest quality of muskmelon ( Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus) fruits cv. Magnum 45. Fruit firmness was not affected by irrigation method or application time. Regardless of irrigation method, water applied at 4 days prior to harvest produced fruit with significantly lower soluble solids concentration SSC (10.8% vs. 12.2%) greater volume (1684 vs. 1508 cm 3 ) and greater moisture content (88.5% vs. 87.4%) compared to no watering after 8 days prior to harvest. No consistent differences were found with fruit SSC, volume moisture content or taste of fruits from plots where water was applied 1 or 2 days prior to harvest compared to fruits receiving no water after 8 days. Significantly lower sweetness and overall preference ratings were found for fruit from plots drip-irrigated 4 days prior to harvest compared to those that received no water after 8 days. In contrast, only sensory ratings of fruits from furrow-irrigated plots might indicate that watering 1 and 2 days prior to harvest may be as detrimental to quality as water applied at 4 days prior to harvest.
A Nightmare avoided: Jordan and Suez 1956

(1994). A Nightmare avoided: Jordan and Suez 1956. Israel Affairs: Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 288-308.
Using Green Chemistry Principles As a Framework To Incorporate Research into the Organic Laboratory Curriculum

Despite the accepted pedagogical value of integrating research into the laboratory curriculum, this approach has not been widely adopted. The activation barrier to this change is high, especially in organic chemistry, where a large number of students are required to take this course, special glassware or setups may be needed, and dangerous chemicals and safety are of special concern. At Simmons College, the organic laboratory curriculum has been revamped by incorporating faculty research on asymmetric reduction of ketones in solvent-free conditions using polylactic acid derivatives. This paper describes the methods for converting from traditional expository laboratories to research-integrated laboratories by incorporating green chemistry principles in the greening of synthetic reactions. Results and assessment of student learning and attitudes are reported.
Xylazine-induced delay of small intestinal transit in mice.

Subcutaneous injection of xylazine (0.1-3.0 mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent delay of small intestinal transit without affecting gastric emptying in the conscious mice. The xylazine-induced delay of small intestinal transit was antagonized by alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists, e.g., yohimbine, piperoxan and tolazoline. The antagonism of xylazine activity by yohimbine was dose-dependent, and the maximal antagonistic effect was seen at 1 mg/kg. Other adrenoceptor antagonists with only alpha 1-blocking activity, e.g., thymoxamine, prazosin and phenoxybenzamine at the doses studied did not reduce the depressant effect of xylazine on small intestinal transit. A beta-adrenergic antagonist, propranolol was not effective in reducing xylazine activity. The opioid antagonist, naloxone did not reduce the effective of xylazine, nor did yohimbine antagonize the morphine-induced delay of small intestinal transit. The xylazine-induced delay of small intestinal transit was not altered by atropine, hexamethonium, haloperidol, methysergide, chlorpheniramine or cimetidine. Pretreatment of mice with reserpine and alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine or 6-hydroxydopamine failed to reduce the intestinal effect of xylazine. These results suggest that xylazine-induced delay of small intestinal transit is mediated by postjunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors and appears not to involve activation of opioid, cholinergic, dopaminergic, histaminergic, or serotonergic receptors.
Late uterine wedge resection of placenta increta.

Abstract Background: Recently, preferences for preserving reproductive potential has sparked increasing interest in the conservative management of placenta accreta, increta, and percreta. Case: A 23-year-old gravida 3 para 2 had a vaginal delivery complicated by retained placenta. The placenta was delivered in multiple fragments followed by sharp curettage. Her postpartum course was complicated by pelvic pain and menorrhagia, unrelieved by sharp curettage. Four months postpartum, transvaginal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an intramyometrial mass. Exploratory laparotomy was done with wedge resection of the anterior wall of the uterus under real-time ultrasonographic guidance. Pathologic examination found placenta increta. Conclusion: Conservative management of placenta increta can be used selectively to preserve reproductive potential.
Is a statin as part of a polypill the answer

Statins are a necessary component of a polypill. Almost all patients have the potential to benefit from low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction with statins, although absolute benefits due to the reduction in coronary heart disease and stroke vary by risk level. The reduction in coronary heart disease and stroke from antihypertensive therapy is additive to the reduction in risk from statins. Used in combination with antihypertensive therapy, a moderate-dose statin would be expected to reduce cardiovascular risk by at least 50%, and a high-dose statin would be expected to reduce risk by at least 60% over an approximately 5-year period. A polypill containing aspirin in addition to a statin and antihypertensive therapy would be appropriate for most men over age 55 years, but not for high-risk women until age 65 years and moderately high-risk women until age 75 years. Polypills in development hold great promise for reducing the global burden of cardiovascular disease.
An overview of accounting restatement activity in the United States

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of financial restatements by US companies to help students, professors, and practitioners gain a better understanding of restatements. Data from restatement activity that occurred between January 1, 1997 and June 30, 2002 is presented and relevant literature is cited to discus the players involved in restatements, the causes of restatements and their impacts.Design/methodology/approach – A sample of 919 restatement announcements compiled by the General Accounting Office (GAO) that occurred between January 1, 1997 and June 30, 2002 is analyzed. The data and the relevant literature are used to examine the roles of companies, auditing firms, and the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the financial reporting process and show how they are involved in prompting restatements. Literature is also reviewed on the root causes of restatements and their impact.Findings – The misstatements that lead to earnings restatements are driven by a variety of ...
A tectonic model for ridge-transform-ridge plate boundaries: implications for the structure of oceanic lithosphere

Abstract The first-order geologic and morphologic relationships at, along and proximal to ridge-transform-ridge plate boundaries are used to construct an empirical and speculative tectonic model. The distinctive but variable morphotectonic fabric and crustal structure of the transform domain are the product of a tectonic continuum that ranges from very slow rates of strain associated with very thick edges of lithosphere (slowly-slipping ridge-transfrom-ridge plate boundaries) to extremely high rates of strain associated with very thin edges of lithosphere (fast-slipping ridge-transform-ridge plate boundaries). The geometry of a ridge-transform intersection necessitates the juxtaposition of a relatively cold, thick edge of lithosphere against the truncated end of an accreting plate boundary. The cold face of lithosphere cools the adjacent wedge of asthenosphere rising beneath the axis of accretion and restricts the amount of partial melting thus attenuating the volume of basaltic melt segregated from the asthenosphere per unit time. The shallow level manifestation of this cold edge effect is a thinner oceanic crust. At depth, the evolving lithosphere thickens rapidly as the cold edge is approached creating changes in the properties of the young lithosphere and forming a weld of upper mantle material against the cold edge of truncating lithosphere. The ridge-transform weld of upper mantle material creates a shear couple in the lithosphere underlying the intersection resulting in the progressive reorientation of the maximum tensile stress from normal to the ridge axis, at some distance from the ridge-transform intersection, to an oblique angle near the boundary. The brittle carapace of oceanic crust that overlies the mantle weld will deform accordingly with the development of oblique, dip-slip faults. The model predicts that the geologic expressions of this cold boundary effect will become more dramatic with increasing thickness of the truncating edge. At very slow rates of accretion ( 100 km) juxtapose thick (30–50 km) edges of lithosphere against the accreting plate boundary all but nullifying the processes that lead to the emplacement of normal oceanic lithosphere. In this environment, a relatively strong mantle weld will form at the ridge-transform intersection and the thick edges of opposing lithosphere along the length of the transform will tend to confine the strike-slip tectonism to a relatively narrow and temporally stable principal transform displacement zone. In contrast, at very fast rates of accretion large offset transforms ( >100 km) place relatively thin edges of lithosphere (
Reaction Coordinate of Isopenicillin N Synthase: Oxidase versus Oxygenase Activity

Isopenicillin N synthase (IPNS) can have both oxidase and oxygenase activity depending on the substrate. For the native substrate, ACV, oxidase activity exists; however, for the substrate analogue ACOV, which lacks an amide nitrogen, IPNS exhibits oxygenase activity. The potential energy surfaces for the O-O bond elongation and cleavage were calculated for three different reactions: homolytic cleavage via traditional Fenton chemistry, heterolytic cleavage, and nucleophilic attack. These surfaces show that the hydroperoxide-ferrous intermediate, formed by O(2)-activated H atom abstraction from the substrate, can exploit different reaction pathways and that interactions with the substrate govern the pathway. The hydrogen bonds from hydroperoxide to the amide nitrogen of ACV polarize the sigma* orbital of the peroxide toward the proximal oxygen, facilitating heterolytic cleavage. For the substrate analogue ACOV, this hydrogen bond is no longer present, leading to nucleophilic attack on the substrate intermediate C-S bond. After cleavage of the hydroperoxide, the two reaction pathways proceed with minimal barriers, resulting in the closure of the beta-lactam ring for the oxidase activity (ACV) or formation of the thiocarboxylate for oxygenase activity (ACOV).
Nondestructive measurement of the grid ratio using a single image

The antiscatter grid is an essential part of modern radiographic systems. Since the introduction of the antiscatter grid, however, there have been few methods proposed for acceptance testing and verification of manufacturer-supplied grid specifications. The grid ratio (r) is an important parameter describing the antiscatter grid because it affects many other grid quality metrics, such as the contrast improvement ratio (K), primary transmission (Tp), and scatter transmission (Ts). Also, the grid ratio in large part determines the primary clinical use of the grid. To this end, the authors present a technique for the nondestructive measurement of the grid ratio of antiscatter grids. They derived an equation that can be used to calculate the grid ratio from a single off-focus flat field image by exploiting the relationship between grid cutoff and off-focus distance. The calculation can be performed by hand or with included analysis software. They calculated the grid ratios of several different grids throughout the institution, and afterward they destructively measured the grid ratio of a nominal r8 grid previously evaluated with the method. They also studied the sensitivity of the method to technical factors and choice of parameters. With one exception, the results for the grids found in the institution were in agreement with the manufacturer’s specifications and international standards. The nondestructive evaluation of the r8 grid indicated a ratio of 7.3, while the destructive measurement indicated a ratio of 7.53±0.28. Repeated evaluations of the same grid yielded consistent results. The technique provides the medical physicist with a new tool for quantitative evaluation of the grid ratio, an important grid performance criterion. The method is robust and repeatable when appropriate choices of technical factors and other parameters are made.
Probing the Factors That Stabilize Mononuclear Rhodium(II) Bis(phosphine), η6-Arene Complexes with Piano-Stool Geometries

The synthesis, characterization, and electrochemistry of a series of Rh(I) bis(phosphine), η6-arene, piano-stool complexes are reported. The study reported herein elucidates several of the important factors which lead to the stabilization of Rh(II) in this coordination environment. From the electrochemical data for a series of complexes of the type [Rh(η2-dppe)(η6-C6H6-nXn)]BF4 (X = CH3, n = 0−6) (1−7) it was shown that the addition of methyl groups to the arene ligand kinetically stabilize the Rh(II) center and thermodynamically stabilize the Rh(II) species by 16 mV per added methyl group. Furthermore, complexes which contain chelation to the arene ligand, such as [Rh(η6:η1-Ph(CH2)3PPh2)(η1-Ph(CH2)3PPh2)]BF4 (12), kinetically stabilize the Rh(II) form, presumably from ligand substitution based decomposition reactions. The electrochemical studies of five isostructural and isoelectronic complexes, [Rh(η2-dppe)(η6-C6H5CH3)]BF4 (2), [Rh(η1-n-BuPPh2)2(η6-C6H5CH3)]BF4 (8), [Rh(η2-dppp)(η6-C6H5CH3)]BF4 (9), [Rh...
Selective working memory impairments following intradentate injection of colchicine: attenuation of the behavioral but not the neuropathological effects by gangliosides GM1 and AGF2.

Abstract Bilateral injection of 3.5 μg of colchicine into the dentate gyrus produced specific learning and memory impairments together with a selective pattern of neuropathology. Animals injected with colchicine exhibited a significant impairment in their ability to perform the working memory, but not the reference memory, component of a multiple component T-maze task. These deficits were transient and over time all animals were able to reacquire task to preoperative levels of performance. Histological analyses revealed that intradentate injection of colchicine produced 1) a significant decrease in the width of both the superior and inferior blades of the dentate gyrus reflecting the extensive loss of granule cells, 2) a related decrease in the size of the dentate molecular layer, and 3) a decrease in the number of cholinergic neurons in the medial septum. The second phase of the experiment demonstrated that gangliosides GM1 and AGF2 did not prevent the initial impairments in working memory performance induced by colchicine but rather accelerated the rate at which it recovered. The gangliosides did not decrease the exent of neuronal damage; there was no sparing of granule cells in the dentate gyrus or cholinergic neurons in the medial septum. These data further support a role for the hippocampus in working memory processes and they also indicate that gangliosides GM1 and AGF2 might be useful for treating the behavioral deficits induced by hippocampal damage.
First observation of mixed-symmetry states in a good U(5) nucleus

The properties of 2{sup +} states at 2156 keV and 2231 keV in {sup 112}Cd have been measured using the ({ital n},{ital n}{sup {prime}}{gamma}) reaction. These states have strong decay branches, determined to be almost pure {ital M}1, to the 2{sup +}{sub 1} level with {ital B}({ital M}1) values of 0.044(5){mu}{sup 2}{sub {ital N}} and 0.055(5){mu}{sup 2}{sub {ital N}} respectively, and are interpreted as the main fragments of the 2{sup +} mixed-symmetry state, the vibrational analogue of the {open_quote}{open_quote}scissors-mode{close_quote}{close_quote} state in deformed nuclei. These observations provide the first firm evidence of mixed-symmetry states in a good U(5) nucleus. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Mutually temporally independent connectivity patterns: a new framework to study the dynamics of brain connectivity at rest with application to explain group difference based on gender.

Functional connectivity analysis of the human brain is an active area in fMRI research. It focuses on identifying meaningful brain networks that have coherent activity either during a task or in the resting state. These networks are generally identified either as collections of voxels whose time series correlate strongly with a pre-selected region or voxel, or using data-driven methodologies such as independent component analysis (ICA) that compute sets of maximally spatially independent voxel weightings (component spatial maps (SMs)), each associated with a single time course (TC). Studies have shown that regardless of the way these networks are defined, the activity coherence among them has a dynamic nature which is hard to estimate with global coherence analysis such as correlation or mutual information. Sliding window analyses in which functional network connectivity (FNC) is estimated separately at each time window is one of the more widely employed approaches to studying the dynamic nature of functional network connectivity (dFNC). Observed FNC patterns are summarized and replaced with a smaller set of prototype connectivity patterns (“states” or “components”), and then a dynamical analysis is applied to the resulting sequences of prototype states. In this work we are looking for a small set of connectivity patterns whose weighted contributions to the dynamically changing dFNCs are independent of each other in time. We discuss our motivation for this work and how it differs from existing approaches. Also, in a group analysis based on gender we show that males significantly differ from females by occupying significantly more combinations of these connectivity patterns over the course of the scan.
Associations of place of birth with asthma and wheezing in Mexican American children

Background There are wide global variations in the prevalence of asthma and wheezing. Objectives We examined the associations of place of birth with doctor-diagnosed asthma, wheezing in the past 12 months, and other allergic conditions in Mexican American children. Methods The study used data on 4121 Mexican American children age 2 months to 16 years who participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Results The risk of asthma was associated with being born in the United States after adjusting for sex, age, history of ear infection, and having a regular place for health care (odds ratio, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.09-4.40). Among children with no previous history of ear infection, US-born children were more likely to report wheezing in the past 12 months than their peers born in Mexico after controlling for confounding variables (odds ratio, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.09-3.87). Mexican American children born in the United States were more likely to have positive skin reaction to cat, house mite, Alternaria alternata , peanut, Bermuda grass, and short ragweed but were less likely to have a positive skin test to German cockroaches after adjusting for sex, age, ear infection, having a regular place for health care, and area of residence. Conclusion Our study indicated significant associations of place of birth with respiratory symptoms and allergic conditions in Mexican American children. These findings highlight the need for further studies to examine environmental factors that change by migration and explain the observed differential in the risk of asthma or wheezing.
Experimental Validation of the EBF3PanelOpt Vibroacoustic Analysis of Stiffened Panels

Vibroacoustic experiments are performed at the Structural Acoustics Loads and Transmission facility of NASA Langley Research Center to measure the sound radiation from and transmission loss of two panels with straight and curvilinear stiffeners, respectively. The focus of the work addressed in this paper is to validate the vibroacoustic analysis methods implemented in a multi-objective design optimization framework, EBF3PanelOpt. The stiffened test panels with six stiffeners have been designed using EBF3PanelOpt for turbulent boundary-layer excitation. To build the confidence in finite-element models, free-vibration tests of the manufactured stiffened panels are also performed. The excited experimental mode shape and eigenfrequencies match quite well with the finite element analysis results for the free-vibration test. A medium-density fiberboard and aluminum frame is used to clamp the stiffened panels in the Structural Acoustics Loads and Transmission loss window. Because of strong coupling of the stiffe...
Simulation shows savings with RFID implementation

This presentation will focus on how simulation was used in supporting the business case for RFID. Recently, a pilot study at several Allen-Bradley facilities evaluated RFID (radio frequency identification) use in the production and distribution of circuit boards. The pilot consisted of RFID tag application to three different products manufactured in the Allen-Bradley Twinsburg Ohio facility. The attached RFID tags were read upon arrival to the Champaign Distribution Center (CDC). While the tag read percentages and other system variables could be explicitly measured, the impact of a large-scale RFID implementation remained unclear. In order to provide answers to the "what if ..." questions proposed by the pilot project team, a simulation study of the RFID facility was launched. The study assisted in defining the impact on the labor savings and helped analyze the potential return on investment (ROI).
Sorbitol Pathway: Presence in Nerve and Cord with Substrate Accumulation in Diabetes

Glucose, sorbitol, fructose, and inositol are present in peripheral nerve and spinal cord. Marked elevation of these substances occurs in these tissues in mildly diabetic animals. These alterations provide biochemical mechanisms which could be significant in the etiology of diabetic neuropathy.
Analyses of a silicone elastomer heart ball valve.

This work represents a preliminary study of one case history of a silicone heart valve. The laboratory techniques employed have proven useful in characterizing the polymer before and after implantation. Before any model explaining ball variance can be proposed it must be determined whether the polymer loses its integrity because specific constituents in the body fluids interact with primary valence bonds in the polymer chains, or if the fluids simply cause swelling and plasticization of the crosslinked system and the damage is the result of mechanical work on the weaker polymer system. Detailed kinetic and thermodynamic studies are underway to answer these questions. The work summarized in this paper refers to the evaluation of only one specimen and should not be taken to mean that every silicone ball from a heart valve prosthesis will show this variance. The incidence of functionally variant silicone balls as reported to one manufacturer represents approximately 1.5% of the aortic and less than 0.05% of the mitral prostheses which have been supplied by this manufacturer. A small percent of valves of this type have the potential of becoming functionally variant and this is one failure mode which should be considered in the implantation of silicone ball valves.
Treatment of sulfur mustard (HD)-induced lung injury.

An in vivo sulfur mustard (HD) vapor exposure model followed by bronchoalveolar lavage was developed previously in this laboratory to study biochemical indicators of HD-induced lung injury. This model was used to test two treatment compounds--niacinamide (NIA) and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)--for their ability to ameliorate HD-induced biochemical changes. Anesthetized rats were intratracheally intubated and exposed to 0.35 mg of HD in 0.1 ml of ethanol or ethanol alone for 50 min. At the beginning of the exposure (t = 0), the rats were treated with either NIA (750 mg kg(-1)) or NAC (816 mg kg(-1)), i.p. At 24 h post-exposure, rats were euthanized and the lungs were lavaged with saline (three 5-ml washes). One milliliter of the recovered lavage fluid was analyzed for cellular components. The remaining fluid was centrifuged (10 min at 300 g) and the supernatant was assayed on a Cobas FARA clinical analyzer for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), albumin (ALB), total protein (TP) and glutathione peroxidase (GP). The HD alone and HD+NIA treatment caused significant increases in all of the biochemical parameters compared with control levels. The NAC treatment yielded LDH, ALB and TP values that, although elevated, were not significantly different from the control. The GP levels were significantly higher than the control but significantly lower than the HD alone levels, indicating some protection compared with the HD alone group. The GGT levels were unaffected by NAC compared with HD alone. Cytological analysis of lavage fluid showed that the percentages of neutrophils were 5.3 +/- 1.0 (mean +/- SEM) for control, 46.6 +/- 4.5 for HD, 31.4 +/- 4.7 for HD + NIA and 21.6 +/- 4.7 for HD + NAC, respectively. The neutrophil counts were significantly higher for the three HD-exposed groups vs controls; however, the NAC-treated group had neutrophil counts lower than HD alone, indicating decreased inflammatory response. These results show that NAC may be useful as a potential treatment compound for HD-induced lung injury.