cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Connectivity of neural transplants in adult rats: Analysis of afferents and efferents of neocortical transplants in the cerebellar hemisphere

Abstract Embryonic neocortical tissue, 3.5 mm3 in volume, obtained from 17-day-old Long-Evans rat embryos, was transplanted into the intact cerebellar hemisphere of normal adult rat hosts. Transplants examined 90–160 days later had grown to a final volume of 27.24 mm3, which reflected nearly an 8-fold increase in the initial volume of tissue transplanted. The transplants were all lobule during their course of growth and differentiation. They retained a cellular and cytoarchitectural identity characteristic of neocortical tissue. Anterograde degeneration studies and retrograde tracing methods on the light microscopic level revealed that transplants had received afferent connections from the ponto-, olivo- and spinocerebellar projection systems. In addition to these major connections, afferents from other nuclei such as the locus coeruleus and the lateral reticular nucleus were also observed with the HRP method. Efferent outgrowth as studied with degeneration methods revealed projections to the nearby host cerebellum and to the ipsilateral deep cerebellar nuclei. All transplants had developed massive intratransplant connections. Findings on the nature and magnitude of connections were analyzed in terms of different characteristics of the interface between the transplant and the host brain tissue. The surface of cortical transplants was found to consist of 7 distinct components, 5 of which were interface regions. Two types of interface regions, those between the cerebellar medullary and granular layers and transplants, were readily related to the magnitude of extrinsic afferent ingrowth, and hence were effective sprouting surfaces. Using two correlated estimates of the magnitude of afferent ingrowth to cortical transplants, volume of degeneration and surface area of degeneration of transplants resulting from lesions of host brain structures, the pontine system was found to provide more afferents to transplants than the olivary or spinal systems. Generally, extrinsic fibers were located nearer to transplant-host brain interface regions than deep within transplants. A positive correlation existed between the available effective sprouting surface area of transplants (an estimate of interactive host fibers with a suitable trajectory) and the magnitude of innervation of cortical transplants by extrinsic afferents.
Tic Disorders: Neural Circuits, Neurochemistry, and Neuroimmunology

The neuroanatomy and neurochemistry underlying tic disorders are thought to involve corticostriatothalamocortical circuits and dysregulation of their component neurotransmitter systems. Tourette syndrome is a tic disorder that begins in childhood and follows a waxing and waning course of tic severity. Although it is generally believed to have a genetic component, its etiology has not been fully elucidated. The clinical entity pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infection (PANDAS) has led some to suggest that the pathophysiology of tics in some individuals might involve a postinfectious autoimmune component. We review the neural circuits and neurochemistry of Tourette syndrome and evaluate the evidence for and against a role for autoimmunity in the expression of tics.
A Pilot Study to Estimate the Cost of a Telephone Survey of Rare Populations: African Americans and Persons with Angina.

Existing studies do not explain important differences in the utilization of health care services between African Americans and Whites with coronary heart disease. Further advancement in understanding access to care differences may be obtained from a community survey. Such a survey can be expensive because of the relative rarity of the populations of interest. This pilot study provided estimates useful for calculating the level of effort required to conduct a telephone survey on access to care for persons with angina, an important presenting symptomfor coronary heart disease.
Mutations in LIS1 (ERG6) gene confer increased sodium and lithium uptake in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract A Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant, lisI-1 , hypersensitive to Li + and Na + was isolated from a wild-type strain after ethylmethane sulfonate mutagenesis. The rates of Li + and Na + uptake of the mutant are about 3–4-times higher than that of the wild-type; while the rates of cation efflux from the mutant and wild-type strains are indistinguishable. The LIS1 was isolated from a yeast genomic library by complementation of the cation hypersensitivity of the lisI-1 strain. LIS1 is a single copy, nonessential gene. However, the deletion of LIS1 from the wild-type results in a growth defect in addition to the cation hypersensitive phenotype. The order of increasing cation uptake rates of the wild-type and mutant strains, Δ 1::LEU2 , correlates perfectly with the degree of cation hypersensitivity, suggesting that the cation hypersensitivity is primarily due to increased rates of cation influx. LIS1 encodes a membrane associated protein 384 amino acids long. Data base searches indicate that LIS1 is identical to ERG6 in S. cerevisiae which encodes a putative S -adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase in the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway. Cell membranes of lis1 ( erg6 ) mutants are known to be devoid of ergosterol and have altered sterol composition. Since membrane sterols can influence the activity of cation transporters, the increased cation uptake of the lis1 mutants may stem from an altered function of one or many different membrane transporters.
Olympic swimming gold: The suit or the swimmer in the suit?

Mark Spitz won seven gold medals wearing briefs. Michael Phelps won 14 gold medals in Athens and Beijing in a high-tech all-over bodysuit. In 2010 high-technology swimsuits were banned from competition, as significantly improving performance. But do they really make a difference? Ray Stefani evaluates them, beginning with an evocative photo from the 1924 Olympics.
Thermal Isomerizations of 2-d-1-(E)-Propenylcyclobutanes to 4-d-3-Methylcyclohexenes

Racemic trans-2-d-1-(E)-propenylcyclobutane at 276 °C in the gas phase fragments to give ethylenes and pentadienes, equilibrates with its cis isomer, and rearranges to mixtures of 4-d- and 6-d-3-methylcyclohexenes through [1,3] carbon shifts. The time-dependent distributions of deuterium-labeled isomers of propenylcyclobutanes and 3-methylcyclohexenes reveal a significant secondary deuterium kinetic isotope effect favoring C1−C4 over C1−C2 bond breaking (kH/kD = 1.16 ± 0.02) and a 72:28 preference for structural isomerizations giving (si + ar) rather than (sr + ai) products through conformationally flexible short-lived diradical intermediates.
Stationary Component Optimization and the Resultant Improvement in the Performance Characteristics of a Radial Compressor Stage

This paper is a follow-up to work published by Sorokes et al. [16] regarding a diffuser flow-field phenomenon, identified as a precursor to stall in a centrifugal stage. The earlier work provided greater detail on the phenomenon that occurred, including further details on the CFD analyses done to investigate the phenomenon and the trends observed in the test data. The numerical and experimental results described in the earlier work were used as a foundation in developing improved stationary components of another stage of similar design whose surge margin fell short of expectation, with the goal of improving its surge margin and overall performance. The study focused specifically on improving the flow characteristics in the diffuser and return channel by optimizing the geometry. The improvement in surge margin and overall performance was first verified numerically (through CFD analysis) and then experimentally via scale model testing.The paper will provide an overview of the centrifugal stage that was tested along with a description of the test vehicle, operating conditions and instrumentation used. The paper will also include a description of the numerical work completed; i.e., the CFD code used, computational domain considered and boundary conditions applied. Comparisons of the trends observed in the experimental and numerical work will be offered and the agreement between the numerical and empirical results will be assessed. Finally, performance comparisons of the optimized stage with the previous stage will also be presented.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
A Quantity Discount Pricing Model to Increase Vendor Profits

In this paper, we analyze how a supplier can structure the terms of an optimal quantity discount schedule. The vendor's challenge is to adjust his present pricing schedule to entice his major customer to increase his present order size by a factor of "K." Optimal levels for "K" and the corresponding price discount are determined in order to maximize the supplier's incremental net profit and cash flow. Implementation issues are discussed and future research needs identified.
The Hartlib Papers and Seventeenth-Century Chemistry Part II

(1970). The Hartlib Papers and Seventeenth-Century Chemistry Part II. Ambix: Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 85-110.
Observations of early atherogenesis with calcification following aortic deendothelialization in rabbits maintained on a normal diet

The factors initiating atherosclerosis in the rabbit model are largely un known, especially when the animals are maintained on a normal diet. The au thors studied regeneration of rabbit aortic intima after balloon deendothelial ization. Eighteen male rabbits were divided into three groups of 6 and under went removal of the thoraco-abdominal aortic endothelium by standard balloon techniques. Animals were sacrificed after four hours (Group I), three days (Group II), and six weeks (Group III). All specimens were evaluated by light (LM) and electron microscopy. Group I showed a gross mural thrombus by LM and complete deendothelialization with a complete layer of platelet deposition. Group II showed disappearance of platelets and reduction in the size of the thrombus. Early myofibroblast (MF) proliferation was seen. Group III showed a well-formed plaque and several layers of MF partially covered with endothe lium. The media was calcified, and there were no foam cells present as are commonly seen in hypercholes...
n+12C Cross Sections from an R-matrix Analysis of Reactions in the 13C system

We have performed an R-matrix analysis of reactions in the 13C system, resulting in a new evaluation of the neutron cross sections for 12C at energies below about 6.5 MeV. Experimental data, including total cross sections, differential cross sections, and neutron analyzing powers, were fitted for the reactions 12C(n, n)12C and 12C(n, n′)12C* at neutron lab energies below 6.5 MeV. A good fit (χ2/ν=1.34) was obtained to the more than 6800 data points in the experimental data set with 37 free parameters. Representative fits to the experimental data and comparisons to the previous evaluation are shown. Changes in the integrated and total cross sections are much less than those in the Legendre coefficients representing the elastic and inelastic angular distributions. We also discuss the implications of the analysis for the level structure of 13C at excitation energies below 10.75 MeV, and present covariance information for the cross sections. Further work on the n+12,13C reactions is planned or in progress.
Effect of Stress on the Excess and Hump Current in Sb-Doped Germanium Diodes

The effects of uniaxial compression and of hydrostatic pressure on the excess and hump current in germanium tunnel diodes have been studied experimentally at 4.2°K. The diodes were formed by alloying indium doped with 3/8% gallium on (100) and (110) faces of germanium bars containing an antimony concentration of 5×10 18 cm -3 . The first order change of the current with stress was measured at fixed forward bias voltages. The experiments show that the excess current involves tunneling from the conduction band valleys to gap states on the p-type side of the junction. A large negative stress-induced current change is associated with a current component which is sometimes observed as a hump in the I–V characteristic between 0.5 and 0.65 V bias. A sharp increase of the pressure coefficient marks the onset of the ordinary injection current at 0.74 V. The effect of shear stress on the injection current was found to be zero to first order in the stress.
A survey of United States rheumatologists concerning effectiveness of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and prednisone in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective. To collect the ratings of American rheumatologists regarding relative short-term and long-term effectiveness of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and to compare these data with results of a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials (RCTs) of these drugs. Methods. A survey was mailed to 3,200 United States rheumatologists who were members of the American College of Rheumatology during the summer of 1996. The survey was completed by 645 rheumatologists. Results. Methotrexate (MTX) was rated as substantially more effective than any other DMARD after both 1 year and 4 years of therapy. At 1 year, more than 90% of rheumatologists rated MTX as “good or excellent,” compared with 35% giving a similar rating to intramuscular (IM) gold, the second-ranked DMARD. At 4 years, MTX was rated as “good or excellent” by 65%, compared with 53% for combinations, 30% for prednisone, and 11% for hydroxychloroquine, the second-ranked single DMARD. These ratings reflect results of long-term observational studies, but differ considerably from a meta-analysis of results of short-term RCTs, in which the efficacy of MTX, sulfasalazine, penicillamine, and IM gold were indistinguishable. Conclusion. The ratings of US rheumatologists regarding effectiveness of DMARD therapies are in agreement with observational data, but differ substantially from results of RCTs. These findings suggest that observational studies may yield useful and important information about treatment results, which are complementary to, but not available from, the RCT model. Regulatory agencies should consider long-term observational studies as a part of the evaluation of drugs.
Comparison of resident self-assessments with trained faculty and standardized patient assessments of clinical and technical skills in a structured educational module

Abstract Background This study assessed the reliability of surgical resident self-assessment in comparison with faculty and standardized patient (SP) assessments during a structured educational module focused on perioperative management of a simulated adverse event. Methods Seven general surgery residents participated in this module. Residents were assessed during videotaped preoperative and postoperative SP encounters and when dissecting a tumor off of a standardized inanimate vena cava model in a simulated operating room. Results Preoperative and postoperative assessments by SPs correlated significantly ( P Conclusions Faculty and SP assessments can provide reliable data useful for formative feedback. Although resident self-assessment may be useful for the formative assessment of technical skills, results suggest that in the absence of training, residents are not reliable self-assessors of preoperative and postoperative interactions with SPs.
Cancer and environment: definitions and misconceptions.

Abstract Background Scientific evidence supports an association between environmental exposures and cancer. However, a reliable estimate for the proportion of cancers attributable to environmental factors is currently unavailable. This may be related to the varying definitions of the term “environment.” The current review aims to determine how the reporting of the definition of the environment and of the estimates of environmentally attributable risks have changed over the past 50 years. Methods A systematic literature search was performed to retrieve all relevant publications relating to the environment and cancer from January 1960 to December 2010 using PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Definitions of the environment and environmentally attributable risks for cancer were extracted from each relevant publication. Results The search resulted in 261 relevant publications. We found vast discrepancies in the definition of the environment, ranging from broad (including lifestyle factors, occupational exposures, pollutants, and other non-genetic factors) to narrow (including air, water, and soil pollutants). Reported environmentally attributable risk estimates ranged from 1% to 100%. Conclusions Our findings emphasize the discrepancies in reporting environmental causation of cancer and the limits of inference in interpreting environmentally attributable risk estimates. Rather than achieving consensus on a single definition for the environment, we suggest the focus be on achieving transparency for any environmentally attributable risks.
Overexpression of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase is lethal for mice lacking double-strand break repair

Abstract The non-homologous DNA end joining (NHEJ) pathway is a major double-strand DNA break repair pathway in cells of multicellular eukaryotes. Ku is a heterodimeric protein consisting of Ku70 and Ku86, and it is thought to be the first component to bind to a broken double-strand DNA end. Mice lacking Ku86 show features of premature aging, live about 6–12 months, and show a characteristic loss of neurons in the central nervous system during development. Cells from mice lacking Ku have increased numbers of chromosome breaks, a significant fraction of which are caused by oxidative metabolism. Overexpression of the cytoplasmic Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) from a transgene is known to increase the number of chromosome breaks in primary cells (presumably by increasing reactive oxygen species). Here we show that SOD1 overexpression in a Ku86−/− mouse results in embryonic lethality. This striking effect is, however, subject to a strain-specific modifier. Genome-wide marker analysis is most consistent with the modifier being on mouse chromosome 13. Analysis of 10 markers on chromosome 13 suggests that the modifier is within the same region as a modifier of the murine amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS) phenotype when it is caused by overexpression of a mutant form of SOD1. Based on these results, we propose a model in which oxidative metabolism causes chromosome breaks, leading to neuronal death; and this neuronal death may account for that seen in NHEJ mutant animals and in mammals with SOD1-mediated ALS.
High Resolution K Capture X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy: A New Tool for Chemical Characterization

The ability to probe specific chemical sites in complex systems would make X-ray spectroscopy a far more versatile spectroscopic tool. In vibrational and magnetic resonance spectroscopies, isotopic substitution is commonly employed to allow characterization of particular species. Except in a few special cases, such as gas-phase spectra of light elements, isotope effects are too small to be observed in X-ray absorption spectra. An alternative approach is to examine the X-ray emission that results after electron capture by a radioactive isotope.^1,2 Controlled introduction of electron-capture isotopes could result in specific labeling of chemically distinct sites. In this paper, we show that highresolution electron capture fluorescence spectra can be obtained on a reasonable time scale. Chemical shifts in these spectra can be used to identify elemental spin states, oxidation states, and even the types of neighboring atoms. In the electron-capture process an inner shell electron reacts with a nuclear proton to yield a neutron and a neutrino.
Modeling deoxyribose radicals by neutralization-reionization mass spectrometry. Part 1. Preparation, dissociations, and energetics of 2-hydroxyoxolan-2-yl radical, neutral isomers, and cations

Collisional neutralization of several isomeric C(4)H(7)O(2) cations is used to generate radicals that share some structural features with transient species that are thought to be produced by radiolysis of 2-deoxyribose. The title 2-hydroxyoxolan-2-yl radical (1) undergoes nearly complete dissociation when produced by femtosecond electron transfer from thermal organic electron donors dimethyl disulfide and N,N-dimethylaniline in the gas phase. Product analysis, isotope labeling ((2)H and (18)O), and potential energy surface mapping by ab initio calculations at the G2(MP2) and B3-PMP2 levels of theory and in combination with Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus (RRKM) kinetic calculations are used to assign the major and some minor pathways for 1 dissociations. The major (approximately 90%) pathway is initiated by cleavage of the ring C-5[bond]O bond in 1 and proceeds to form ethylene and *CH(2)COOH as main products, whereas loss of a hydrogen atom forms 4-hexenoic acid as a minor product. Loss of the OH hydrogen atom forming butyrolactone (2, approximately 9%) and cleavage of the C-3[bond]C-4 bonds (<1%) in 1 are other minor pathways. The major source of excitation in 1 is by Franck-Condon effects that cause substantial differences between the adiabatic and vertical ionization of 1 (5.40 and 6.89 eV, respectively) and vertical recombination in the precursor ion 1(+) (4.46 eV). (+)NR(+) mass spectra distinguish radical 1 from isomeric radicals 2-oxo-(1H)oxolanium (3), 1,3-dioxan-2-yl (9), and 1,3-dioxan-4-yl (10) that were generated separately from their corresponding ion precursors.
Clinical and Molecular Characteristics of Staphylococcal Skin Abscesses in Children

Forty-nine children with skin abscesses (36 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and 13 methicillin-susceptible S aureus) exhibited similar disease severity. Both pathogen groups were pulse field type USA300, multilocus sequence type 8, and possessed Panton-Valentine leukocidin genes. Related microbial genetic architecture may account for similarities in disease severity despite differences in antibiotic susceptibility.
Endodermal sinus tumor of the ovary: A paradoxical response to chemotherapy

A patient with ovarian endodermal sinus tumor metastatic to the liver responded unusually to chemotherapy. She experienced histologically documented regression of all intraperitoneal disease with the exception of the liver metastases when given vinblastine, bleomycin, and cisplatin. She eventually died of liver failure. A review of patients with ovarian endodermal sinus tumor who either presented with initial liver metastases or had recurrent disease in the liver leads us to conclude that the liver is a preferential site for spread, that liver metastases carry an ominous prognosis, and that failure to see prompt liver metastatic tumor response after systemic chemotherapy should signal a need for a more aggressive therapeutic approach to the liver lesions.
Experimental investigation of the planar flow casting process: development and free surface characteristics of the solidification puddle

Abstract Planar flow casting (PPC) is one of the most promising processes for the manufacture of thin metal sheets and high performance rapidly solidified alloys, but very little experimental information is available about this process. We have therefore developed an experimental installation that enables us to study the dynamic behavior of the PFC solidification puddle. We have in particular used high speed video recordings to analyze casting runs conducted for various values of the most important parameters. The size and shape of the puddle have been quantified, and the effect of variations in flow rate, gap, and wheel speed on the puddle shape has been studied. We have also investigated the dynamics of the development of the puddle immediately after melt ejection. Both digitized results and high speed photographic sequences of solidification puddles are shown and discussed in this article.
Utility of conventional and diffusion-weighted MRI features in distinguishing benign from malignant endometrial lesions

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the utility of conventional MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in differentiating benign from malignant endometrial lesions. Methods 52 patients with an abnormal endometrium on MRI and subsequent pathologic evaluation (35 benign, 17 malignant) were included. Two radiologists (R1, R2) independently evaluated endometrial abnormalities for characteristics on conventional MRI and DWI. Findings were assessed using unpaired t -tests, Fisher's exact test, and multi-variate logistic regression. Results Findings with significantly higher frequency in malignant abnormalities were: presence of irregularly marginated endometrial lesion (R1: 71% vs. 34%, R2: 94% vs. 26%), irregular endo-myometrial interface on T2WI (R1: 77% vs. 26%, R2: 94% vs. 29%), irregular endo-myometrial interface on post-contrast T1WI (R1: 82% vs. 23%, R2: 88% vs. 20%), increased signal on high b -value DWI (R1: 82% vs. 20%, R2: 94% vs. 20%), decreased ADC (R1: 88 vs. 40%, R2: 94% vs. 20%) (all p p ≥ 0.159, both readers). At multivariate analysis, for R1, irregular endo-myometrial interface on post-contrast T1WI and increased DWI signal were significant independent predictors of malignancy (AUC = 0.89); for R2, only increased DWI signal was a significant independent predictor of malignancy (AUC = 0.87). Conclusion Abnormal signal on DWI and irregularity of either the endo-myometrial interface or focal endometrial lesion were the most helpful MRI features in differentiating benign from malignant endometrial abnormalities.
Ethical dimensions of the open‐door admissions policy

Ethical dilemmas at the community college often pose a choice between options equally grounded in the core values of the institution. These dilemmas often emerge from disputes that are complex, dynamic, and politically volatile. We review the development of one such dispute to show how our understanding of institutional core values is often only clarified through reflection and consultation with appropriate advisors, authorities, and constituencies.
Exploring structure-function relationships between TRP and Kv channels

The molecular mechanisms underlying the activation of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) ion channels are poorly understood when compared to those of the voltage-activated potassium (Kv) channels. The architectural and pharmacological similarities between the members of these two families of channels suggest that their structure-function relationships may have common features. We explored this hypothesis by replacing previously identified domains and critical structural motifs of the membrane-spanning portions of Kv2.1 with corresponding regions of two TRP channels, TRPM8 and TRPV1. Our results show that the S3b-S4 paddle motif of Kv2.1, but not other domains, can be replaced by the analogous regions of both TRP channels without abolishing voltage-activation. In contrast, replacement of portions of TRP channels with those of Kv2.1 consistently yielded non-functional channels. Taken together, these results suggest that most structural elements within TRP channels and Kv channels are not sufficiently related to allow for the creation of hybrid channels.
Longitudinal serum concentrations of placental growth factor: evidence for abnormal placental angiogenesis in pathologic pregnancies.

Objective: Complicated pregnancies demonstrate abnormal decidual and placental villous vasculature. We examined maternal concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor in normal pregnancies and in pregnancies that were complicated by isolated idiopathic small-for-gestational-age (SGA) newborn infants, preeclampsia alone, or preeclampsia with SGA newborn infants at the time of clinical disease and before the onset of clinical signs. Study Design: Serum vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in cross-sectional and longitudinal cohorts of pregnant nulliparous women. The results were compared by Wilcoxon tests or a mixed-models method, respectively. Results: In the cross-sectional study, serum placental growth factor was reduced in abnormal pregnancy relative to control subjects (SGA newborn infants, 18 [P = .04]; preeclampsia, 20; or preeclampsia with small- for-gestational-age newborn infants, 11 [P = .0001]) as early as 15 to 19 weeks of gestation in preeclampsia with SGA newborn infants. Vascular endothelial growth factor was <30 pg/mL in all serum specimens from pregnant women. Conclusion: We postulate that decreased placental growth factor production results in abnormalities of placental angiogenesis through direct and indirect effects on other vasculotropic growth factors. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003;188:177-82.)
Spare Capacity Provisioning for Dynamic Traffic Grooming in Optical Networks

Optical networks with wavelength routing are expected to form the backbone in the next generation wide area networks. The traffic grooming problem in optical networks is an optimization problem of aggregating sub-wavelength traffic demands onto lightpaths such that the required electronic switching capability, hence network cost, can be minimized. In this paper, we propose an over-provisioning scheme, which pre-allocates the spare capacity of lightpaths to dynamic subwavelength traffic demands such that the network can be more agile in responding to traffic increment requests. For the single-link case, the problem is a convex non-linear programming problem. We provide an exact algorithm to find the optimal solution. The problem with general topologies is then studied. We prove the NP-hardness in this case, and propose heuristics. Numerical results show our heuristics perform well.
Short and Long-Acting Oral Nitrates for Stable Angina Pectoris

Nitroglycerin (NTG) spray and sublingual tablets rapidly relieve an established attack of angina, and their infrequent use is not associated with the development of tolerance. Although, following a suitable nitrate-free interval, the first dose of oral, long-acting nitrates produces significant hemodynamic effects, increases angina free walking, and decreases exercise-induced ischemia, during continued longterm therapy tolerance limits their usefulness. Appropriate dosing regimens of controlled-release formulations of isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) and controlled-release NTG during long-term therapy have not been established. Use of immediate-release formulation of 15–120 mg of IDSN in a qid regimen lead to a marked reduction in the size and duration of antianginal effects compared to the initial dose. Asymmetric tid therapy with 30 mg of ISDN (7 a.m., 1 p.m, and 6 p.m.) is also associated with the development of partial tolerance and appears to provide antianginal prophylaxis for only a period of 6 hours each day. Asymmetric bid therapy with ISDN at 7 a.m. and noon may give sustained effect but is supported by only a single, small study that did not examine effectiveness after the noon dose in long-term use. Isosorbide-5-mononitrate (IS-5-MN) has been the subject of more recent studies than other nitrates because of attempts to bring a number of products into the U.S. market. IS-5-MN in qid, tid, and standard bid (8 a.m. and 8 p.m.) dosing regimens produce tolerance. Asymmetric regimens of immediate-release IS-5-MN (10 and 20 mg) given bid (once in the morning and again 7 hours later) decrease the development of tolerance compared to symmetric regimens and produce an increased exercise duration after each dose of the day; the 20 mg bid dosing is more effecive. Similarly, once-daily 120 and 240 mg controlled-release IS-5-MN does not produce tolerance and gives a sustained increase in daytime exercise duration. Both asymmetric bid immediate-release and once-daily controlled-release IS-5-MN preparations do not produce deterioration in exercise performance prior to the administration of the medication in the morning (i.e., no zero-hour effect). Further studies are needed to establish useful dosing regimens for ISDN, for controlled-release ISDN, and for controlled-release nitroglycerin. None of the dosing regimens of any oral, long-acting nitrate (including IS-5-MN) provide 24 hour antianginal and antiischemic effects. Although it is intuitively attractive to add an agent (beta-blocker or calcium channel blocker) that exerts 24 hour antianginal and antiischemic effects, which appear to depend on mechanisms different from those of nitrates, there are no studies that allow an evaluation of the usefulness of adding beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers to nitrate therapy (or vice versa).
Theoretical determination of the effective velocity parameter in atomic and molecular scattering from surfaces

A useful theoretical expression for interpreting and analyzing observed scattering intensity spectra for atomic and molecular collisions with surfaces is the differential reflection coefficient for a smooth, vibrating surface. This differential reflection coefficient depends on a parameter, usually expressed in dimensions of velocity, that arises due to correlated motions of neighboring regions of the surface and can be evaluated if the polarization vectors of the phonons near the surface are known. In this paper experimental conditions are suggested under which this velocity parameter may be more readily evaluated than it has been in the past.
A flexible approach to efficient resource sharing in virtualized environments

Cloud-based storage and computing are growing in popularity due to economies of using a centralized infrastructure that can be leased at low cost. The increased use of virtual-machine-based server consolidation in such data centers introduces new challenges for resource management, capacity provisioning, and guaranteeing application performance. The bursty nature of workloads means that the peak capacity required to handle short-duration bursts may be an order of magnitude or more than the long-term average requirement. Providing capacity based on the peak rate can result in significant over-provisioning and low utilization, leading to higher infrastructure and energy costs.In this paper we present an efficient method for multiplexing multiple concurrent bursty workloads on a shared storage server. Such a situation is common in Virtual Machine (VM) environments where the hypervisor needs to dynamically allocate IO bandwidth among multiple VMs sharing a SAN array. We consider the problem of dynamically scheduling the IO among competing VMs to meet QoS requirements. Our solution employs two strategies together: systematically decomposing bursts to provide each workload with a graduated Quality of Service (QoS) and flexibly scheduling the decomposed portions of all the workloads.
Novel modulation factor quantifies the role of water molecules in protein interactions.

Water molecules decrease the potential of mean force of a hydrogen bond (H-bond), as well as modulate (de)solvation forces, but exactly how much has not been easy to determine. Crystallographic water molecules provide snapshots of optimal solutions for the role of solvent in protein interactions, information that is often ignored by implicit solvent models. Motivated by high-resolution crystal structures, we describe a simple quantitative approach to explicitly incorporate the role of molecular water in protein interactions. Applications to protein–DNA interactions show that the accuracy of binding free-energy estimates improves significantly if a distinction is made between H-bonds that are desolvated (or only contact crystal waters), solvated by mobile waters trapped at the binding interface, or partially solvated through connections to bulk water. These different environments are modeled by a unique “water” scaling factor that decreases or increases the strength of hydrogen bonds depending on whether water contacts the acceptor or donor atoms or the bond is fully desolvated, respectively. Our empirical energies are fully consistent with mobile water molecules having a strong polarization effect in direct intermolecular interactions. Proteins 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Factionalism versus fraternalism in computing: A plea for the latter

Computing is currently characterized by an undesirable trend towards factionalism. Factionalism is the consequence of the immature evolutionary status of computing as an inexact science. The optimist (uniglots, rhythmists, stylizers, and communicants) and pessimist factions are described. An advocacy for a move from factionalism towards fraternalism is presented. The multidisciplinary nature of computing is discussed with its implications for alternative problem perspectives. The need for experimentalism in computing is emphasized. The proposed move from factionalism to fraternalism will encourage the balanced objectivity necessary for the further evolutionary development of computing as a formal discipline.
Grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation of adsorption of nitrogen and oxygen in realistic nanoporous carbon models

Adsorption of nitrogen and oxygen in nanoporous carbons (NPC) is simulated using grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations, where the Steele potential (developed for gas interactions with graphite) is used to represent gas–carbon interactions. NPC models used for the adsorption simulations are developed using an isothermal-isobaric (constant NpT) ensemble Monte Carlo algorithm whereby an initial polymer chain is evolved through a series of atomic displacement and bond rearrangement steps into the final carbon structure. These constant NpT carbon models are representative of real NPCs in terms of local structure and chemical composition. Predictions of nitrogen and oxygen sorption from our model NPCs show good agreement with experimental data. The isosteric heats of adsorption of both adsorbates lie within the range of experimental values for NPCs. Furthermore, the adsorption isotherms of the two gases showsemi-quantitative match with experimental adsorption isotherms. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Morphological changes of collagen fibrils in the subsynovial connective tissue in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Background Pathologic changes occur commonly in the subsynovial connective tissue in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The purposes of this study were to investigate the ultrastructural changes of the subsynovial connective tissue in these patients and compare them with the findings in cadaver controls. Methods The diameter and density of collagen fibrils were measured by transmission electron microscopy in specimens of subsynovial connective tissue from ten patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome and from ten fresh-frozen cadavers of individuals without known symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Results We noted deformed collagen fibrils with a spiraled appearance in the specimens from the patients. We also observed phagocytosis of elastin fibrils in all of those specimens. These changes were noted only rarely in the cadaver controls. The mean diameter (and standard deviation) of the collagen fibrils was 45.5 +/- 8.0 nm in the control group and 54.8 +/- 15.2 nm in the patient group (p Conclusions These ultrastructural findings suggest that subsynovial collagen in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome is structurally different from that in individuals without carpal tunnel syndrome, but the processes resulting in that abnormal morphology remain to be elucidated.
Elevated Serum Creatinine and a Normal Urinalysis: A Short Differential Diagnosis in the Etiology of Renal Failure

Objective. The diagnosis of renal failure with a normal urinalysis represents a short differential diagnosis that has not been characterized in the literature. This study was designed to identify the specific disease states that encompass this interesting renal condition. Material. The Regenstrief database, which is an electronic medical record containing inpatient laboratory and other clinical data for patients admitted to Wishard Memorial Hospital, was utilized to provide data for this study. Methods. The database was culled to provide data for hospitalized patients admitted between March 1, 1992, and March 1, 2001, with the concurrent findings of a serum creatinine greater than or equal to 2 mg/dL, a normal urinalysis, and diagnoses of obstructive uropathy, multiple myeloma, prerenal azotemia, hypertensive nephrosclerosis, interstitial nephritis, renal vascular disease, hypokalemic nephropathy, and hypercalcemia, as identified by their corresponding ICD-9 codes. Results. A search of the Regenstrief dat...
Variation, Variability, and the Origin of the Avian Endocranium: Insights from the Anatomy of Alioramus altai (Theropoda: Tyrannosauroidea)

The internal braincase anatomy of the holotype of Alioramus altai, a relatively small-bodied tyrannosauroid from the Late Cretaceous of Mongolia, was studied using high-resolution computed tomography. A number of derived characters strengthen the diagnosis of this taxon as both a tyrannosauroid and a unique, new species (e.g., endocranial position of the gasserian ganglion, internal ramification of the facial nerve). Also present are features intermediate between the basal theropod and avialan conditions that optimize as the ancestral condition for Coelurosauria—a diverse group of derived theropods that includes modern birds. The expression of several primitive theropod features as derived character states within Tyrannosauroidea establishes previously unrecognized evolutionary complexity and morphological plasticity at the base of Coelurosauria. It also demonstrates the critical role heterochrony may have played in driving patterns of endocranial variability within the group and potentially reveals stages in the evolution of neuroanatomical development that could not be inferred based solely on developmental observations of the major archosaurian crown clades. We discuss the integration of paleontology with variability studies, especially as applied to the nature of morphological transformations along the phylogenetically long branches that tend to separate the crown clades of major vertebrate groups.
Neighborhood characteristics associated with the location of food stores and food service places

Background: Although the relationship between diet and disease is well established, sustainable dietary changes that would affect risk for disease have been difficult to achieve. Whereas individual factors are traditional explanations for the inability of some people to change dietary habits, little research has investigated how the physical availability of healthy foods affects individuals’ diets. This study examines the distribution of food stores and food service places by neighborhood wealth and racial segregation. Methods: Names and addresses of places to buy food in Mississippi, North Carolina, Maryland, and Minnesota were obtained from respective departments of health and agriculture. Addresses were geocoded to census tracts. Median house values were used to estimate neighborhood wealth, while the proportion of black residents was used to measure neighborhood racial segregation. Results: Compared to the poorest neighborhoods, large numbers of supermarkets and gas stations with convenience stores are located in wealthier neighborhoods. There are 3 times fewer places to consume alcoholic beverages in the wealthiest compared to the poorest neighborhoods (prevalence ratio [PR]0.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]0.1– 0.6). Regarding neighborhood segregation, there are 4 times more supermarkets located in white neighborhoods compared to black neighborhoods (PR4.3, 95% CI1.5–12.5). Conclusions: Without access to supermarkets, which offer a wide variety of foods at lower prices, poor and minority communities may not have equal access to the variety of healthy food choices available to nonminority and wealthy communities.
Maximum Entropy Reconstruction Of Moment-Coded Images

The maximum entropy principle (MEP) is applied to the problem of reconstructing an image from knowledge of a finite set of its moments. This new approach is compared to the existing method of moments approach and is shown to have a clear edge in performance in all of the applications attempted. Compression ratios more than twice as high as those previously achieved are possible with the new MEP method.
Trade Policy and Political Legitimacy in the European Union

Accusations of the European Union's (EU's) absence of political legitimacy find a particular echo in the area of external trade policy. Indeed, the combination of decade-old complaints about the EU's democratic deficit, the traditional delegation of trade-making authority to the most central level of government, and the now widespread protests against the governance of international economic institutions since the 1999 ‘battle of Seattle’ make for a potentially explosive mix. Yet whether trade policy in the EU is as illegitimate as its critics claim depends a lot on semantics. By distinguishing between two complementary definitions of political legitimacy — one based on ‘process’ and one on ‘outcome’ — this article analyzes whether the institutions for making trade policy in the EU, and in particular the voting rules, can be considered ‘legitimate’. The article also reflects upon the recent attempts made in the EU to develop a legitimate, democratic rule at the supranational level, in particular through a rethinking of the input of civil society in its decision-making structures, and explores whether the lessons learned from the EU experience can become an institutional blueprint for the controversial reform of the governance of international economic institutions in an age of globalization.
Current trends in the evolutionary ecology of plant defence

Summary 1. In this essay I summarize current trends in the evolutionary ecology of plant defence, while advocating for approaches that integrate community ecology with specific tests of classic evolutionary hypotheses. Several conclusions emerge. 2. The microevolution of defence is perhaps best studied by reciprocal transplant experiments of differentiated plant populations while simultaneously manipulating the presence of the herbivore(s) hypothesized to be the agent(s) of natural selection. 3. Although there is continued interest in the costs of defence, I argue that some empirical approaches to estimating costs (e.g. genetic engineering) may provide limited insight into evolutionary processes. 4. Essentially all plants employ several different lines of defence against herbivory. It is thus time to abandon searching for single silver bullet traits and the simple trade-off model (where traits are arbitrarily expected to negatively covary across genotypes or species). We still know very little about which trait combinations are most effective and have repeatedly evolved together. Thus, some of our prominent theories (e.g. a predicted trade-off between direct and indirect defence) need to be revised. 5. Studies of the macroevolution of plant defence are enjoying renewed interest due to available phylogenies and analytical methods. Although general trends are not currently surmisable, we will soon have strong case studies evaluating both biotic and abiotic drivers of convergent evolution in defence strategies and the role of defence evolution in the adaptive radiation of plant lineages. 6. The evolution of specificity is proposed as a final frontier in understanding complexity in plant–herbivore interactions. Although it is abundantly clear that plants can deploy highly specific defensive responses that are differentially perceived by herbivore species, how such responses evolve and are physiologically regulated remains an important gap. Relatively straightforward methodologies are now available to close the loop between plant perception of herbivory, hormonal responses, and production of defensive end-products across genotype or species.