cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
763-5 Provocation of Latent Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Gradients with Amyl Nitrite and Exercise in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

In pts with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) who have obstructive symptoms without significant resting outflow tract gradients, amyl nitrite may be used to provoke latent obstruction. However, the provocative effect of afterload reduction may not be comparable to a more physiologic method such as symptom-limited exercise stress testing. This study compared the ability of amyl nitrite and exercise testing to provoke outflow tract gradients in the same pts. Sixty-one pts (age 49 ± 17y, 43 male) with non-obstructive HCM (septal thickness 19 ± 5 mm, resting outflow tract gradient 15 ± 14 mmHg) underwent echocardiography at rest, following amyl nitrite inhalation, and after maximal exercise. Twenty-six pts (43%) remained without significant inducible gradients «50 mmHg) after either provocation, 17 (28%) became inducible after both stressors, 7 (11%) after exercise only, and 11 (18%) after amyl only. Although obstruction increased to similar levels after amyl nitrite (50 ± 38 mmHg) and after symptom-limited exercise (49 ± 39 mmHg), gradients induced by exercise and amyl correlated poorly (r = 0.54). Gradients were the same with both stressors in 15 patients (EO group), greater with exercise in 26 (EX group), and greater with amyl in 20 patients (AM group). Differences between amyl and exercise were unrelated to drug therapy. EQ(n = 15) EX(n = 26) AM (n = 20) p Age (ys) 37 ± 15 47 ± 17 61 ± 9 p l 0.001 EQ vs AM Septum (mm) 21 ± 5 20 ± 6 17 ± 3 p l 0.01 EQ vs AM Ex HR (% predicted) 73 ± 23 96 ± 9 82 ± 16 p l 0.001 EQ vs EX Exercise RPP (× 103) 21.4±8.2 33.9 ± 7.7 24.3 ± 85 p l 0.001 EQ vs EX Amyl gradient (mmHg) 40 ± 39 37 ± 33 76 ± 34 p l 0.001 EQ vs AM Ex gradient (mmHg) 40 ± 39 67 ± 42 33 ± 25 p l 0.03 EQ vs EX Conclusion Over 50% of pts with non-obstructive HCM at rest have inducible gradients which may explain inlermittent symptoms. Measurement of gradients after AM and EX should be included in the assessment of pts with HCM with suspected latent outflow obstruction. Pts with a preponderant AM response are older and have less hypertrophy. EX is particularly indicated in younger patients without AM-induced gradients.
The magnetization and Curie temperature of compositionally modulated Cu/Ni films

We report detailed measurements of the magnetization of Cu/Ni composition modulated foils as a function of temperature, magnetic field, composition wavelength, and composition amplitude. We find a Curie temperature that initially increases rapidly with wavelength but quickly saturates. We also find that the Curie temperature is independent of composition amplitude which we ascribe to the existence of disk‐like Ni clusters.
Methyl chloroform in the troposphere as an indicator of OH radical abundance

METHYL chloroform (111 trichloro ethane) was introduced into general use in 1955–60 in response to the need for a general solvent which was less toxic than those then in use. Its ubiquitous presence in the northern and southern hemispheres, first reported in 1974 (ref. 1), has since been confirmed2,3. The only significant sources of methyl chloroform are industrial releases from its use as a cleaning agent and solvent. A principal sink for its removal from the atmosphere seems to be the reaction with OH radicals. The rate of its release to the atmosphere is known with some accuracy, and consequently the measurements of its growth in the atmosphere could provide valuable information on the strength of the OH reaction sink, not only for methyl chloroform but also for other important atmospheric gases which undergo similar reactions. This communication reports measurements of the abundance of methyl chloroform made during 5 yr in the northern and southern tropospheres.
A Systems-Biology Analysis of Feedback Inhibition in the Sho1 Osmotic-Stress-Response Pathway

Summary Background A common property of signal transduction systems is that they rapidly lose their ability to respond to a given stimulus. For instance in yeast, the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase Hog1 is activated and inactivated within minutes, even when the osmotic-stress stimulus is sustained. Results Here, we used a combination of experimental and computational analyses to investigate the dynamic behavior of Hog1 activation in vivo. Computational modeling suggested that a negative-feedback loop operates early in the pathway and leads to rapid attenuation of Hog1 signaling. Experimental analysis revealed that the membrane-bound osmosensor Sho1 is phosphorylated by Hog1 and that phosphorylation occurs on Ser-166. Moreover, Sho1 exists in a homo-oligomeric complex, and phosphorylation by Hog1 promotes a transition from the oligomeric to monomeric state. A phosphorylation-site mutation (Sho1 S166E ) diminishes the formation of Sho1-oligomers, dampens activation of the Hog1 kinase, and impairs growth in high-salt or sorbitol conditions. Conclusions These findings reveal a novel phosphorylation-dependent feedback loop leading to diminished cellular responses to an osmotic-stress stimulus.
Emission-tunable microwave synthesis of highly luminescent water soluble CdSe/ZnS quantum dots

Water soluble CdSe/ZnS nanoparticles with emission maxima from 511 nm to 596 nm and quantum efficiencies ranging from 11% to 28% are synthesized in a facile two-step method in ambient atmospheric conditions using a commercially available microwave reactor.
NaTiO2: a layered anode material for sodium-ion batteries

We report on layered NaTiO2 as a potential anode material for Na-ion batteries. The material is prepared from only earth-abundant elements, delivers 152 mA h g−1 of reversible capacity at C/10 rate, shows excellent cyclability with capacity retention over 98% after 60 cycles, and high rate capability. Furthermore, in situ X-ray diffraction analysis reveals a reversible O3–O′3 phase transition, including an unusual lattice parameter variation coupled to complicated Na vacancy orderings in a series of 2nd order phase transitions.
Demand and Capacity Management in Air Transportation

This paper summarizes research trends and opportunities in the area of managing air transportation demand and capacity. Capacity constraints and resulting congestion and low schedule reliability currently impose large costs on airlines and their passengers. Significant capacity increases that would solve these problems are not expected in the near- or medium-term. This paper outlines first a number of directions for effecting improvement through marginal capacity increases and better management of demand and available capacity. It then describes strategic initiatives that airlines and civil aviation authorities might undertake over time horizons of months to years as well as tactical measures that may be adopted on a daily basis in response to dynamic, “real-time” developments like poor weather or schedule disruptions. Research challenges in these areas are identified and classified in terms of specifying, allocating, and utilizing capacity. The first two categories reflect challenges faced by infrastructure providers, the last category challenges faced by airlines.
The Impact of Misspecifying Class-Specific Residual Variances in Growth Mixture Models

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of misspecifying a growth mixture model (GMM) by assuming that Level-1 residual variances are constant across classes, when they do, in fact, vary in each subpopulation. Misspecification produced bias in the within-class growth trajectories and variance components, and estimates were substantially less precise than those obtained from a correctly specified GMM. Bias and precision became worse as the ratio of the largest to smallest Level-1 residual variances increased, class proportions became more disparate, and the number of class-specific residual variances in the population increased. Although the Level-1 residuals are typically of little substantive interest, these results suggest that researchers should carefully estimate and report these parameters in published GMM applications.
Detailed analysis of the background e+, e− spectra generated by relativistic heavy-ion beam crossing

Abstract The spectra of e + , e − particles, generated by the peripheral interactions of fully stripped heavy ions crossing in a collider, are examined in detail. Particular attention is paid to the energy, momentum, rapidity, and angular distribution of the emitted particles. In addition, the double differential cross section is calculated for a range of rapidity and perpendicular projections of the lepton momenta. The results given here provide a definitive study of e + , e − backgrounds for detectors at heavy-ion colliders.
“The white hands ‘damn them … won't stick’”: labor scarcity and spatial discipline in the antebellum iron industry

Abstract This essay seeks to broaden the empirical basis for the concept of spatial discipline by investigating how and why the geographical mobility of skilled iron workers was constrained in the United States during the decades preceding the Civil War. Drawing on neo-Marxist labor theory, the author finds that the paradoxical demands of industrial capitalism for a highly mobile labor force that would also stay in place created particularly acute tensions in the iron industry, where skilled labor was critical to the implementation of new technologies. Recent theoretical developments in legal and labor history help explain why the transition from master-and-servant relations to employment at will in the early nineteenth century heightened tensions in the iron industry and spawned a tremendous range of disciplinary strategies. After modeling managerial strategies as a continuum of coercion, the author presents a series of illustrative examples from the North and South.
Temperature elevations in prostatic tumors during laser photothermal therapy

In vivo experiments were performed to measure temperature elevations in prostatic tumors implanted in mice during laser photothermal therapy using nanorods. Ti:Sapphire laser tuned at 800 nm irradiating the surface of the tumor delivered an average laser power of 0.5 - 1.0 W, equivalent to a laser radiance of 1.3-2.6 W/cm2. The temperature elevations measured by two thermocouples located at the center and bottom of the tumor have shown non-uniform tumor temperature field, 10-30°C above the baseline temperature of 37°C. The experimental studies have demonstrated the capability of confining laser energy in tumors by a very small amount of nanorod solution.© (2011) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Induction of Prolonged Mania During Ketamine Therapy for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

Ms. M is a 42-year-old Caucasian married woman with a history of chronic left gluteal and left leg pain diagnosed as reflex sympathetic dystrophy. She was disabled by refractory symptoms that had failed a number of interventions and required high-dose opioids. Ms. M was otherwise high functioning and had completed a professional degree. The patient elected to undergo experimental IV ketamine therapy for her symptoms. An admission note documented a history of depression and insomnia, for which the patient had been prescribed duloxetine 20 mg daily, mirtazapine 45 mg qHS, and quetiapine 100 qHS. These medications were held on admission. On Day 1, ketamine was started and titrated from 10 to 20 mg/hour over a period of 5 days in the intensive care unit. The patient immediately reported that her pain was much better and it was a “miracle,” but by Day 2 she again complained of considerable pain. On Day 3, duloxetine 20 mg and mirtazapine 45 mg were restarted. By Day 4, Ms. M reported significant pain relief and continued to get better by Day 5 and Day 6. In these first 6 days, some subtle behavioral changes were seen (e.g., sometimes being too optimistic about the therapy), but nothing extraordinary was documented, and the therapy continued because Ms. M seemed to benefit considerably from it. On Day 7 of the ketamine protocol, Ms. M started exhibiting notable changes in her mental status. She appeared over-sedated and admitted to self-administering opioids from a supply she kept in her purse, but when asked to, she was reluctant to turn these over to her physicians. On Day 8, Ms. M was irritable and emotionally labile and expressed the feeling that the team was withholding pain medications from her. Without any prompting, she detailed a series of past traumas that she had experienced, including the deaths of her parents. Therefore, on Day 8, quetiapine 100 mg qHS was restarted, and duloxetine was increased to 60 mg. However, her mania like symptoms did not get better, and on Day 10 Ms. M demonstrated pressured speech and sent her physicians a lengthy e-mail that was tangential with loosening of associations. The communication included statements like “Dear Doctors and Heroes” and “If we could treat RSD like jazz we could treat individuals according to specific needs at specific times.” Given her symptoms, a decision was made to
Experimental investigation on electron cyclotron absorption at down-shifted frequency in the PLT tokamak

The absorption of 60 GHz electron cyclotron waves, with the extraordinary mode and an oblique angle of propagation, has been investigated in the PLT tokamak in the regime of down-shifted frequency. The production of energetic electrons, with energies of up to 300 to 400 keV, peaks at values of the toroidal field (≈29 kG) for which the wave frequency is significantly smaller than the electron cyclotron frequency in the whole plasma region. The observations are consistent with the predictions of the relativistic theory of electron cyclotron damping at down-shifted frequency. Existing RF sources make this process a viable method for assisting the current ramp-up and for heating the plasma of present large tokamaks.
Change Illness Beliefs with Biofeedback and Somatic Feedback

The Health Belief Model proposes that medical treatment and patient self-care plans need to be congruent with the client's illness beliefs. When the client's illness attributions are compatible, the client is more likely to comply with both medical treatment and self-care. The authors emphasize the internal versus external locus of control dimension in illness attributions. Clients may believe that the illness is outside of personal control and that only external treatment such as surgery or medication will help. With such beliefs in place, the client is unlikely to be open to a regimen emphasizing self-regulation and personal behavioral changes. The authors propose that biofeedback and somatic feedback exercises provide effective tools for changing illness attributions and awaken the client to the impact of thoughts and emotions on physiology. A case study and a description of a somatic feedback exercise illustrate the approach.
Relationships of antioxidants in apple peel to changes in α-farnesene and conjugated trienes during storage, and to superficial scald development after storage

Abstract Three experiments were conducted: (1) ‘Cortland’ and ‘Delicious’ apples were harvested at four weekly intervals; (2) ‘Cortland’ apples were induced to ripen prematurely with ethephon sprays; (3) ‘Cortland’ apples were enclosed in brown bags for six weeks before harvest. At harvest and after intervals of storage at 0°C, concentrations of α-farnesene and conjugated trienes, estimates of total lipid-soluble and total water-soluble antioxidant activity, and concentrations of α-tocopherol, carotenes, ascorbic acid, glutathione, anthocyanins and flavonols in fruit peel were measured. The objective was to determine if differences in antioxidants at harvest persisted through storage, and if changes in antioxidants corresponded to accumulations of conjugated trienes and development of scald. Treatments resulted in significant differences in antioxidant and pigment concentrations at harvest. Water-soluble antioxidants and anthocyanins declined during storage, but lipid-soluble antioxidants generally increased. In general, antioxidant concentrations at harvest were inversely related to maximum conjugated triene concentrations at the end of storage, and to scald development. However, no individual antioxidant was associated consistently with conjugated triene accumulation or scald development, and as conjugated triene concentrations increased, total lipid-soluble antioxidant activity also increased. Water-soluble antioxidants generally decreased during storage. Possible involvements of antioxidants with scald development is discussed.
Chest pain in adolescents: distinguishing cardiac from noncardiac causes

Abstract Chest pain, a common problem motivating adults to seek medical care, occurs frequently in adolescents. Physicians may embark on a sequence of nonproductive investigations that can be costly and anxietyprovoking for the adolescent and parent. This review attempts to simplify the medical evaluation and management of the young patient with chest pain. Idiopathic chest pain is the most common diagnosis for childhood and adolescent chest pain, accounting for about 40% of cases. Of those cases for which a cause is found, musculoskeletal causes are most common, accounting for at least 20% of chest pain. Hyperventilation or panic disorders account for 10 to 20% of diagnoses. Noncardiac chest pain typically occurs at rest, which is helpful in distinguishing it from cardiac pain. In those with exercise-induced chest pain asthma must be carefully sought. Congenital coronary artery anomalies leading to angina must also be considered in those with exertional chest pain. Although exertional chest pain should raise a red flag, not all exertional chest pain is worrisome; it may simply reflect poor conditioning or an anxious athlete. In these cases a normal cardiac evaluation including a normal treadmill exercise test with or without reproducible chest pain may help provide the reassurance the anxious athlete needs. After eliminating the possibility of a medical illness, the psychiatrist is in a unique position to provide reassurance and counseling because knowledge about recent life events and the adolescent's beliefs about the symptoms may be necessary prerequisites for successful treatment.
A triaxiality and Lode parameter dependent ductile fracture criterion

Abstract A computational fracture locus is developed and used to predict the ductile fracture in ATSM A992 steels in this study. The fracture locus is obtained by performing micromechanical analyses on the computational cells by deforming computational cells along paths of predefined stress states described by two dimensionless stress-state parameters: stress triaxiality ( T σ ) and Lode parameter ( L ). The microscopic damage mechanisms at different stress-states are demonstrated. The microscopic damage mechanism is observed to change from predominantly microvoid elongation to microvoid dilation at transition triaxiality of T σ = 0.75 for ASTM A992 steels. This transition stress triaxiality is found to be dependent on hardening and microstructural properties of the matrix. Also, at low triaxiality, the Lode parameter is found to have a significant effect on the microvoid elongation and dilation for ASTM A992 steels. The computational fracture locus which is a function of triaxiality and Lode parameter proposed for ASTM A992 steels is implemented in the finite element program ABAQUS® as a ductile fracture criterion. This fracture model is validated using the existing experimental data on axisymmetrically notched specimens and new data on plate with holes and notches made of ASTM A992 steels. The procedure prescribed to develop the fracture criterion in this manuscript is generic and can be used for other metals whose hardening and microstructural properties are known.
Transmural LV Systolic Wall Thickening Gradients and Models of Heart Wall Mechanics

We implanted arrays of radiopaque markers to measure lateral equatorial wall transmural strains and global and regional LV geometry in 7 sheep. Without intervening procedures, one and eight weeks after surgery, 4-D datasets from stereo radiographic studies were processed to yield transmural strains from each heart. In accordance with previous theoretical predictions and experimental results, we hypothesized that systolic radial strain (i.e., wall thickening) would exhibit a transmural gradient, increasing from subepicardium to subendocardium, and, as previous work suggested that this was a fundamental mechanism, this gradient would be observed at both the one- and eight-week studies. The one-week studies yielded the expected gradient. This gradient, however, was not present in the eight-week studies, although LV shape and hemodynamics were virtually identical to their one-week values. We discuss the implications of these findings to mechanistic theories of heart wall mechanics.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Toward a psychology of chronic time pressure Conceptual and methodological review

Complaints about time shortage permeate contemporary western societies. Many disciplines, from sociology to economics, have been involved in research and theorizing about time shortage, in contrast to the paucity of psychological research. This review of the extant heterogeneous terminology proposes that chronic time pressure (CTP) be used as temporary overarching term, subsuming the objective component of time shortage and the subjective-emotional component of being rushed. Feeling rushed may lead to the perception of time shortage. The review explores how most previous research on CTP used surveys and time-diaries that were developed to assess time allocations and have limited usefulness in examining subjective temporal experience. The recently developed Experience Sampling Method and Daily Reconstruction Method, combined with in-depth interviews, augment existing methods and may provide detailed analyses of the being rushed component of CTP. Conceptual ties to other disciplines and to well-being and st...
Influence of net groundwater discharge on the chemical composition of a coastal environment: Flanders Bay, Long Island, New York.

Seasonal (October 1997 and May 1998) concentrations of dissolved (<0.45 μm) trace metals (Ag, Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn), inorganic nutrients (NO3, PO4, Si), DOC and DON were measured at seven wells during periods of low and high groundwater flow, in the aquifer around Flanders Bay in Eastern Long Island, New York. Similar measurements were made in surface waters of Flanders Bay, a shallow coastal embayment with restricted water flushing and river input. Dissolved constituents in the groundwater were classified according to their behavior under different flow conditions as follows: (1) peak during high flow (DOC, pH, Si, NO3, Al and Cu); (2) peak during low flow (salinity, DON, Ag, Cd, Mn); and (3) concentrations independent of flow conditions (PO4 and Fe). The primarily urban and agricultural land use on the North Fork of Long Island was reflected in higher concentrations of nutrients, Cu and Cd in groundwater, compared to samples from the South Fork which is mostly open parkland. Principal component analysis ...
Bacterial cell killing by antibody targeted photolysis : enhanced effect by OH radical generation

Two structurally distinct immunoconjugates were used for photolysis of bacterial cells. One contained a dextran carbazate (DC) polymer as a linker between the photosensitizer molecules and the Fc oligosaccharide moiety of the monoclonal antibody, while the other linked the photosensitizer molecules and the Fc oligosaccharide by a short ethylenediamine (ED) spacer. The two immunoconjugates exhibited remarkably different photophysical properties and cell killing potential with respect to their abilities to generate singlet oxygen. The DC conjugate exhibited poor singlet oxygen (lδg) yields, yet was shown to produce more efficient cell killing on the basis of 1δg dose than did the ED conjugate. In light of the enhanced cell killing capacity of the DC conjugate, a search for other toxic photoproducts was initiated. It was found that the DC conjugate was capable of generating hydroxyl radicals (OH.) upon light illumination. Quantum yields for OH. generation were evaluated. The DC-photosensitizer polymer appeared to initiate a cascade addition reaction presumably by adding peroxides and hydroperoxides to the glucose residues of the dextran carbazate linker. These results suggest that this radical formation could propagate down the DC polymer and account for the superior cell killing exhibited by the DC conjugate.
Higher Sensitivity Dopamine Measurements with Faster-Scan Cyclic Voltammetry

Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) with carbon-fiber microelectrodes has been successfully used to detect catecholamine release in vivo. Generally, waveforms with anodic voltage limits of 1.0 or 1.3 V (vs Ag/AgCl) are used for detection. The 1.0 V excursion provides good temporal resolution but suffers from a lack of sensitivity. The 1.3 V excursion increases sensitivity but also increases response time, which can blur the detection of neurochemical events. Here, the scan rate was increased to improve the sensitivity of the 1.0 V excursion while maintaining the rapid temporal response. However, increasing scan rate increases both the desired faradaic current response and the already large charging current associated with the voltage sweep. Analog background subtraction was used to prevent the analog-to-digital converter from saturating from the high currents generated with increasing scan rate by neutralizing some of the charging current. In vitro results with the 1.0 V waveform showed approximately a 4-...
Reaction-rate treatment of small-polaron hopping the role of vibrational relaxation

Abstract This paper is a sequel to an earlier work (Holstein 1978) in which small-polaron hopping between two sites was treated from the standpoint of a heuristic Eyringtype reaction-rate approach. In the present paper, the relationship of this approach to basic quantum perturbation theory is investigated, and conditions for its validity are established. An essential physical feature has to do with the relaxation of localized vibrational excitation (the ‘activated’ configuration). The relevant time constant associated with this relaxation is determined within the framework of the molecular crystal model (of previous small-polaron studies) by a method which focuses attention on the dynamics of an appropriately denned local ‘reaction’ coordinate, and its coupling to the vibrational degrees of freedom of the host crystal ('reservoir’ system). Agreement with previous calculations based upon an explicitly multiphonon approach is obtained. In particular, the reciprocal of the effective lime-duration of a single...
Crystalline low band-gap alternating indolocarbazole and benzothiadiazole-cored oligothiophene copolymer for organic solar cell applications.

A low band-gap alternating copolymer of indolocarbazole and benzothiadiazole-cored oligothiophene demonstrated balanced crystallinity and solubility; a solar cell combining this polymer with PC61BM in a preliminary test demonstrated power conversion efficiencies of 3.6%.
Proton-transfer doping of polyacetylene

Abstract Exhaustive deprotonation of films of poly(acetylene-co-1,3-butadiene) ( PAB ) fails to produce a conductive film. In contrast, deprotonation of segmented polyacetylene ( SPA ) produces a conductive material with similar characteristics to n-doped polyacetylene. Thus the feasibility of a proton-transfer approach to doping of polyacetylene has been demonstrated.
Symbolism of Basic Geometrical Shapes

communication, 1995), a Korean psychologist, explored the use of basic geometric shapes as a projective device to examine self-concept and ~arent-child relations. In her research, she asked the participants to draw a triangle, a square, and a circle. She then asked them to decide which of the three shapes best represented their mothers, their fathers, and themselves and to label them accordingly. She found that undergraduate women were more &ely to label the circle as themselves, while undergraduate men were more likely to label the square as themselves. Choo attributed these findings to the circle and square's similarity to the body contours of the female and male, respectively. The present study was undertaken to replicate the aforementioned findings. There were 123 undergraduates (87 women and 36 men) who ranged in age from 18 to 56 years (M =23.4). The ethnically dlverse sample included 60 Euro-Americans, 24 Afro-Americans, 16 Nspanic-Americans, 10 AsianAmericans, and 13 participants from other ethnic groups. The subjects were students at Fairleigh Dickinson University, a large, private university in New Jersey. All participants were supplied a sheet of paper on which were printed a square, a triangle, and a circle of equal size (2.5 in. in height) and equal Istances (.75 in.) apart. Further, the sequences of the shapes were alternated to control for effects associated with their order of presentation. The participants were then instructed to label the shapes according to which best represented their mothers, their fathers, and themselves. A one-way chi-squared indcated that the participants were significantly more likely to label the square as the father [x,~(N= 123)=41.32, p<.OO1] and were least Uely to label the circle as their father [xZ2(N= 123)=36.15, p < .001]. They were significantly more likely to label the circle as themselves [x,'(N= 123)=3.97, p<.051 than as the mother. No significant identity in
Changes in spleen volume after resection of hepatic colorectal metastases

Aim To identify and describe changes in spleen volume occurring in patients with colorectal metastases to the liver after partial hepatectomy. Materials and methods Forty-one consecutive patients (20 men, 21 women) with histopathology-proven colorectal liver metastases who underwent partial hepatectomy between August 2007 and April 2011 were included. Liver and spleen volumes were measured by computed tomography (CT) volumetry on the most recent CT prior to surgery and on all CTs obtained within a year after partial hepatectomy. Patients were carefully evaluated for and excluded if they had co-morbid conditions known to cause splenomegaly or risk factors for portal hypertension such as underlying liver disease and portal vein thrombosis. Results Thirty-two (78%) patients demonstrated an increase in spleen volume on the first post-operative CT, with more than a double increase in volume amongst five patients. Spleen volume increased by an average of 43% within 3 months of partial hepatectomy ( p p Conclusions Splenic enlargement after partial hepatectomy of colorectal metastases is a common finding on CT. Increased familiarity amongst radiologists of this phenomenon as likely reflecting physiological changes is important in order to avoid unnecessary evaluation for underlying conditions causing interval enlargement of the spleen.
THE EFFECT OF DIETARY CHOLESTEROL LEVEL ON LIPID STATUS AND INITIATION OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN JAPANESE QUAIL

Abstract The effect of variations in dietary cholesterol level on the development of hyperlipidemia, tissue cholesterol status and incidence of atherosclerosis was investigated in male Japanese quail of strain SEA (Susceptible to Experimental Atherosclerosis). Groups of 12, five-week-old, birds were fed one of four purified diets. The basal diet contained (weight %): soyprotein, 35; beef tallow, 10; glucose, 46; three atherogenic diets were prepared by replacing glucose with 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0% cholesterol in the basal diet formula. After 4 weeks, birds were killed and serum, thoracic aortae, brachiocephalic arteries, and liver were taken for analysis. Serum cholesterol was increased (relative to basal values) by 15, 127 and 229% for birds fed the 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0% cholesterol diets respectively; increases were due to elevations of cholesterol in the very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) fractions. Hepatic and arterial cholesterol levels increased with increasing dietary cholesterol levels, but there were significant, between-group differences in the case of liver cholesterol only. Lesion incidence was 0, 8, 43 and 50% for birds fed the basal, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0% cholesterol diets respectively. The small dot-like, yellow lesions were found predominantly in the right brachiocephalic artery and to a lesser extent in the thoracic aorta; no lesions were found in the left brachiocephalic artery. The extreme rapidity with which Japanese quail of strain SEA develop early atherosclerotic lesions makes them an attractive animal model for studying the early development of atherosclerosis in man.
The Effect of Egg Position in Storage on Susceptibility to Bacterial Spoilage

Psuedomonas aeruginosa inoculated onto the inner shell membrane at the air cell produced more rapid spoilage in eggs stored normally than in eggs stored with the blunt end down. More extensive growth of bacteria in the former group of eggs was demonstrated by UV candling for fluorescence, bacterial isolations from albumen and bacteriological counts of the shell membranes. Membrane infections tended to be confined to the area of inoculation for at least 6 days. There was no difference in the spoilage rates of eggs inoculated with identical numbers of bacteria on the inner shell membrane or directly in the albumen when eggs were stored with the blunt ends up. When eggs were stored with the air cells down, however, the air cell inoculated eggs required a longer time to spoil than did those eggs icceiving the inoculum in the albumen. The sharp and blunt ends of eggs were contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and stored in normal and reverse positions. Spoilage was quickest when the infected ends of the eggs were stored upwards.
In situ observations of lattice expansion and transformation rates of α and β phases in Ti–6Al–4V

Abstract In situ X-ray diffraction experiments using synchrotron radiation were performed on Ti–6Al–4V samples to directly observe the α → β phase transformation during heating. These experiments were conducted at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) using a 30 keV synchrotron X-ray beam to monitor changes in the α and β phases as a function of heating time under different heating rates. The results were compared to computational thermodynamic predictions of the phase fractions versus temperature, providing information about the kinetics of the α → β transformation in Ti–6Al–4V. The measured transformation rates were shown to be consistent with a diffusion-controlled growth mechanism, whereby diffusion of V in the β-Ti phase controls the rate. Based on the X-ray diffraction data, real time measurements of the α and β phase lattice parameters were made. Dramatic differences were observed in the changes of the lattice parameters of the two phases during the transformation. These changes are believed to be due to the partitioning of V and its strong effect on the lattice parameter of the β phase. An unexpected contraction of the lattice parameter of the β phase was further observed during heating in the temperature range between 500 and 600 °C. The origin of this contraction is most likely related to the annealing of residual stresses created by the different thermal expansion behaviors of the two phases.
Multiple-rate code book design for vector quantization of image pyramids

A recently introduced tree growth algorithm the Marginal Returns (MR) algorithm is used to grow multiple rate tree structured vector quantizers for the pyramid coding of hexagonally sampled images. The use of a structured multi-rate code book solves two problems that normally arise in vector quantization of subbands. The multiple rate code book can operate over a wide range of rates thus dispensing with the need to transmit the code book as overhead while the tree structure reduces the search complexity. Search complexity is a crucial issue even in low rate pyramid coding since subbands with more information content are coded at high rates. In addition the design technique makes it possible to tune the coder to the spectral properties of the image by optimally allocating rate to the different subbands. It has been shown in an earlier paper that the Marginal Returns algorithm yields code books that are optimal for sources that meet the law of diminishing marginal returns. However even for sources that do not satisfy these conditions the algorithm gives coders that perform close to the optimal. Image coding results at rates below 1 bpp are presented.
Dissolution rate of calcium sulfite hemihydrate in flue gas desulfurization processes

The rate of calcium sulfite dissolution in slurry scrubbers and hold tanks for flue gas desulfurization affects SO/sub 2/ absorption, limestone utilization and sulfite oxidation. The dissolution rates of calcium sulfite were measured by the pH-state method. A mass transfer model was developed assuming that calcium sulfite particles behave as spheres in an infinite stagnant solution. The model combined with the Bechtel-modified Radian solution equilibrium program successfully predicts calcium sulfite dissolution rates at pH 3.5 - 5.5, 23 and 55 /sup 0/C, 0.001 - 0.3 M Ca/sup + +/ and 2 - 25 mM dissolved sulfite. The effects of sulfate content in solids and liquids and particle size/shape were also studied. At conditions typical of flue gas desulfurization processes calcium sulfite dissolution was controlled by mass transfer, not surface reaction kinetics. Dissolution was fast at low pH and slowed near the equilibrium pH determined by dissolved Ca/sup + +/ and SO/sub 3/ concentrations in the aqueous solutions, K/sub SP/ of the CaSO/sub 3/ . 1/2H/sub 2/O solids, and temperature. The presence of dissolved Mg/sup + +/ increased the equilibrium pH and enhanced the disolution rate. The presence of dissolved sulfate reduced the dissolution rate and the equilibrium pH. The effectmore » of sulfate was not adequately described by the mass transfer model.« less
Functional modeling identifies paralogous solanesyl-diphosphate synthases that assemble the side chain of plastoquinone-9 in plastids

It is a little known fact that plastoquinone-9, a vital redox cofactor of photosynthesis, doubles as a precursor for the biosynthesis of a vitamin E analog called plastochromanol-8, the physiological significance of which has remained elusive. Gene network reconstruction, GFP fusion experiments, and targeted metabolite profiling of insertion mutants indicated that Arabidopsis possesses two paralogous solanesyl-diphosphate synthases, AtSPS1 (At1g78510) and AtSPS2 (At1g17050), that assemble the side chain of plastoquinone-9 in plastids. Similar paralogous pairs were detected throughout terrestrial plant lineages but were not distinguished in the literature and genomic databases from mitochondrial homologs involved in the biosynthesis of ubiquinone. The leaves of the atsps2 knock-out were devoid of plastochromanol-8 and displayed severe losses of both non-photoactive and photoactive plastoquinone-9, resulting in near complete photoinhibition at high light intensity. Such a photoinhibition was paralleled by significant damage to photosystem II but not to photosystem I. In contrast, in the atsps1 knock-out, a small loss of plastoquinone-9, restricted to the non-photoactive pool, was sufficient to eliminate half of the plastochromanol-8 content of the leaves. Taken together, these results demonstrate that plastochromanol-8 originates from a subfraction of the non-photoactive pool of plastoquinone-9. In contrast to other plastochromanol-8 biosynthetic mutants, neither the single atsps knock-outs nor the atsps1 atsps2 double knock-out displayed any defects in tocopherols accumulation or germination. Background: Plastid isoforms of solanesyl-diphosphate synthase catalyze the elongation of the prenyl side chain of plastoquinone-9. Results: Corresponding mutants display lower levels of plastoquinone-9 and plastochromanol-8 and display intact levels of vitamin E. Conclusion: Plastochromanol-8 originates from a subfraction of non-photoactive plastoquinol-9 and is not essential for seed longevity. Significance: Viable plastoquinone-9 mutants are invaluable tools for understanding plastid metabolism.
Energy Secretary Focuses on Agency Agenda, Climate Change, and Fracking at Hearing

U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz and Republican members of Congress found some common ground on energy issues such as nuclear power and the current shale oil and gas boom during a 13 June congressional hearing. However, there was some contention about the need to move forward in dealing with climate change, the definition of an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, and the direction the Department of Energy (DOE) has taken.
Phorbol ester-induced contraction of arterial smooth muscle and inhibition of α-adrenergic response

Abstract The influence of the phorbol ester, 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol-13 acetate (TPA) on the contractility of rat and rabbit aorta was assessed. At 10 −8 to 10 −5 M TPA produced a gradual contraction of rat aorta, while rabbit aorta gave only a small contraction at 10 −5 M. Contractions were irreversible and dependent on extracellular Ca 2+ . Associated with TPA-induced contraction, α-adrenergic receptor responses of the rat were inhibited in a noncompetitive manner, while rabbit responses were little affected. Since TPA activates phospholipid-dependent protein kinase C in a manner analogous to endogenous diacylglycerol, a critical role for the latter in α-adrenergic events is suggested.
Muslim, Too: Navigating Multiple Identities at an American University

Although Muslims have a significant presence at American universities, they are largely ignored by campus policies and resources and may find it difficult to reconcile their university experience with their religious values and practices. Using bicultural acculturation as a theoretical lens along with interviews and document analysis, this exploratory study of ten Muslim students at one university suggests that students have acquired the tools to successfully navigate membership in both American and Muslim cultural groups, evaluating each setting before invoking a particular identity. However, the acculturation process does not require any change by the institution. While participants described a need to adopt situationally-appropriate behaviors, they did not expect accommodation from the university or their peers.
In memory of Professor Amadeus William Grabau (1870–1946) on the semicentennial of his death

A.W. Grabau (1870–1946), one of the world’s greatest sedimentary geologists divided his working life between the United States (1890–1920) and China (1920–1946). My early acquaintance with the publications of Grabau was through one of my fellow students Mrs. Mary Welleck Garretson (1896–1971) who had been a student of Grabau’s at Columbia University. Grabau served as Professor of Geology and Mineralogy at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute before he joined the faculty of Columbia University. Grabau may truly be considered the Father of Modern Sedimentology.
The Tucker technique: the proximal hollow grind to address a root concavity.

Clinical Relevance This case report describes a modification of the Tucker technique to manage a concavity of a proximal surface when a traditional cast gold box form would be too invasive. A conservative and esthetic alternative to this box form is the proximal hollow grind.
Pressure ulcers in the pediatric patient.

Purpose of reviewIn contrast to adult literature, data for pressure ulcers in children is limited. Incidence and prevalence of this skin integrity issue in pediatric hospitals is still widely unknown, perhaps because increased awareness and prevention of the phenomenon have been slow to develop. Mor
Effects of A. nodosum seaweed extracts on spinach growth, physiology and nutrition value under drought stress

Abstract Seaweed extracts (SWE) are biodegradable and non-polluting to the environment, and have become popular as biostimulants. Their effects on spinach growth, physiology and nutrition value under drought stress were evaluated in a growth chamber study. Differential irrigations (100 and 50% evapotranspiration for full irrigation and drought stress, respectively) and Ascophyllum nodosum SWE application methods (water foliar, SWE foliar, SWE drench, SWE foliar and drench) were applied every 4 d. After 35 d, leaf growth, chlorophyll content and fluorescence, gas exchange, and nutrition value were analyzed. Under drought stress, leaf area, fresh and dry weight (FW and DW) were only 42, 42 and 60% of these under full irrigation, respectively. Drought stress also decreased leaf relative water content (RWC) and specific leaf area (SLA) from 89 to 76% and 179 to 139 cm2 mg−1, respectively. Gas exchange was reduced by drought stress although chlorophyll content and fluorescence were not altered. Drought stress had no direct effects on the leaf nutrition quality except for reduced ferrous ion chelating ability (FICA). Under full irrigation SWE had no effects on leaf growth, physiology and nutrition value but under drought stress SWE improved plant growth. Under drought stress A. nodosum SWE application increased leaf RWC from 76 to approximately 82% and leaf area by 16, 21 and 38% with SWE foliar spray, drench or both, respectively. Also, SWE increased leaf FW, DW and SLA by 20 to 32%, 11 to 22%, and 5 to 19%, respectively. The inhibition of gas exchange and increases of stomatal limitation induced by drought stress were reduced by SWE, irrespective of application methods. SWE application had no effects on phenolic, flavonoid, carotenoid, and antioxidant capacity, but reduced FICA. These results indicated that under mild drought stress A. nodosum SWE enhanced spinach growth by improving leaf water relations, maintaining cell turgor pressure and reducing stomatal limitation, which in turn led to large leaf area and high photosynthetic rate. A. nodosum SWE application negatively impacted nutritional quality by reduced FICA under drought stress.
Building better mouse models of asthma

Allergic asthma is a complex disease that has been modeled extensively in small rodents. Airway eosinophilia and changes in lung function have been documented using a variety of protocols. However, recent efforts have improved these models by trying to replicate the structural remodeling that occurs in the lung as a consequence of chronic allergen-driven inflammation. This review documents the recent developments in protocols and systems designed to examine pathways leading to allergen-induced airway remodeling.
Selling to the Masses: Retailing in Russia, 1880–1930

The commercial space across Red Square from the seat of state power has for centuries been ‘as much a part of Russia's history as the Kremlin and St. Basil's’ (p. 1), whether as the trading rows of...
Patterns of regeneration between individual nerve cells in the central nervous system of the leech.

SEVERED axons of nerve cells can regrow towards their original destinations and re-establish synaptic connexions. For example, optic nerve fibres in the frog and goldfish grow back to the appropriate regions of the midbrain1,2, and motor nerve cells in crayfish reinnervate their original muscles3. The new connexions seem to be correct, in the sense that normal function is restored by regenerating fibres growing back to the region that had been denervated. But it is not known how precisely an individual nerve cell can find its original target. One possibility is that each cell accurately reforms all its original synapses. On the other hand, the mechanism might be less precise, and the result still be functionally adequate or better, even though some cells have become reconnected abnormally. The general question of what happens at the cellular level during regeneration could also be relevant for an understanding of how specific neural connexions are formed during development.