cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is the internal thoracic artery the conduit of choice to replace a stenotic vein graft

Abstract Reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting secondary to saphenous vein graft (SVG) stenosis is a mushrooming problem. The internal thoracic artery graft (ITA) provides superior Long-term patency, but its flow is limited and may be inadequate to meet large myncardial demands. To evaluate the efficacy of the ITA as a replacement conduit for a stenotic SVG, 387 consecutive patients undergoing reoperative bypass grafting from 1985 to 1990 with a stenotic SVG to a totally obstructed left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) were analyzed. The patients were divided into four groups according to the management of the previously placed SVG. Group I (n = 155) underwent graft replacement with a new SVG. Group II (n = 90) received an ITA with the old SVG left intact. In group III (n = 37), an ITA was placed to the LAD with an SVG to the diagonal (old graft interrupted). Group IV (n = 104) had an ITA only to the LAD (old graft interrupted). There were 14 deaths (3.6%). Mortality rate was 7.9% for group IV and 2.1% for groups I through III ( p = 0.01). Multivariate analyses identified advancing age ( p = 0.01), ITA only ( p = 0.01), and female sex ( p = 0.04) as independent predictors of operative mortality. Evidence of hypoperfusion in the distribution of the LAD was present in 19 patients, all of whom were in group IV (18.9%). Predictors of hypoperfusion were moderate/severe left ventricular function ( p = 0.02) and ITA to the LAD with interruption of the old graft ( p = 0.0001). Hypoperfusion syndrome was treated with a new SVG to the LAD in 11 patients, and all but 1 survived; 8 were treated with an intraaortic balloon pump, for a 63% mortality ( p = 0.01). We conclude that replacing a stenotic SVG to a totally occluded LAD with an ITA is associated with increased mortality and increased incidence of hypoperfusion syndrome. Hypoperfusion syndrome is best treated with supplemental vein grafting.
27 → B + P decays of 3/2+ baryon resonances in brokenSU3 symmetry

The decays of 3/2+ baryon resonances comprising the 27-plet representation of unitary symmetry, into baryon and pseudoscalar meson octets, is considered under the assumption of a first-order breakdown of the symmetry. There are 24 possible decays which are described in terms of 7 parameters. This leads to 17 coupling constant sum rules.
Homokaryon-dikaryon phenotypic switching in an arginine requiring mutant of Coprinus congregatus

A homozygous arginine requiring mutant dikaryon of C. congregatus displays dramatic phenotype shifts in the absence of arginine. The mycelium grows as a phenotypic homokaryon (the homophase) in low-arginine media and as a phenotypic dikaryon (the diphase) in high-arginine media. The shift is complete, with the homophase and diphase having all the characteristics of wild-type homokaryons or dikaryons. The homophase contains nuclei of both compatible mating types but cannot grow as a diphase unless the concentration of arginine is 0·3 mM or higher. This suggests that the low concentration of arginine inhibits the expression and/or the function of the mating type genes and/or their products.
Temperature Distribution in Solids During Heating or Cooling

Temperature distribution in solids; surface heated at uniform rate. Equations are derived for the following typical shapes: (1) Rectangular parallelopiped. (1a) Long rectangular rod. (1b) Very thin slab. (2) Cylinder. (2a) Long cylindrical rod. (3) Sphere. (4a) Cylindrical tube heated only outside. (4b) Cylindrical tube heated both inside and outside. (5) Spherical shell heated only outside. Results calculated from these equations are tabulated and in some cases shown graphically. These numerical results may be readily applied to the case of similar solids of any size and diffusivity.Temperature distribution in solids; surface suddenly cooled or heated. Equations are derived for the following shapes: (1) Rectangular parallelopiped. (1a) Long rectangular rod. (1b) Very thin slab. (2) Cylinder. (2a) Long cylindrical rod. (3) Sphere. The distribution inside a sphere at various instants is computed and also the temperature at the center of a slab, square bar, cube, long cylinder, and sphere as a function of the time. These numerical results may be readily applied to the case of similar solids of any size and diffusivity.Thermal diffusivity; method of measurement involving determination of temperature-time relation at the center of a symmetrical solid whose surface is heated either at a uniform rate or very suddenly. The convenience of this method is pointed out, but practical details are not considered. The equations given are in convenient form for such uses.
Pharmacogenetics of warfarin treatment for potential clinical application

Warfarin anticoagulation therapy requires extensive medical supervision and empirical adjustments of dose to achieve the narrow therapeutic window and avoid complications. Developments in understanding the genetic basis for interindividual differences in warfarin dose requirements have led to the discovery of polymorphisms in two genes: cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) and vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1 (VKORC1). Genotyping these variants in patients who use warfarin could possibly help guide dosing. Numerous retrospective clinical studies have shown these polymorphisms to have large, independent effects on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic warfarin pathways, stabilized dose, and other clinical outcomes. From these studies, dosing algorithms based on patient, clinical, and genetic factors have been developed. Multicenter, randomized clinical studies are planned to further validate these findings and determine the utility of prospective genetic testing as a central component of warfarin management. Pending these results, warfarin genetic testing could be the first example of the widespread application of pharmacogenetics in the era of “personalized medicine.”
The cytoskeleton of Drosophila-derived Schneider line-1 and Kc23 cells undergoes significant changes during long-term culture

Insect cell cultures derived from Drosophila melanogaster are increasingly being used as an alternative system to mammalian cell cultures, as they are amenable to genetic manipulation. Although Drosophila cells are an excellent tool for the study of genes and expression of proteins, culture conditions have to be considered in the interpretation of biochemical results. Our studies indicate that significant differences occur in cytoskeletal structure during the long-term culture of the Drosophila-derived cell lines Schneider Line-1 (S1) and Kc23. Scanning, transmission-electron, and immunofluorescence microscopy studies reveal that microfilaments, microtubules, and centrosomes become increasingly different during the culture of these cells from 24 h to 7-14 days. Significant cytoskeletal changes are observed at the cell surface where actin polymerizes into microfilaments, during the elongation of long microvilli. Additionally, long protrusions develop from the cell surface; these protrusions are microtubule-based and establish contact with neighboring cells. In contrast, the microtubule network in the interior of the cells becomes disrupted after four days of culture, resulting in altered transport of mitochondria. Microtubules and centrosomes are also affected in a small percent of cells during cell division, indicating an instability of centrosomes. Thus, the cytoskeletal network of microfilaments, microtubules, and centrosomes is affected in Drosophila cells during long-term culture. This implies that gene regulation and post-translational modifications are probably different under different culture conditions.
Pascal–Sierpinski gasket fractal networks: some resistance properties

Abstract Pascal-Sierpinski gaskets (PSG) are deterministic fractals self-similar if of prime order, self-affine otherwise. They can be generated numerically as well as by a geometric technique. Here a fractal lattice approach is used to study their electrical resistance. Given a PSG repeated use of wye-delta transformations simplify the structure to a generic triangle. Some of the intermediate structures appear to have potential for applications. Examples are included as a bridge to applications, and to show the use of specific edge(s) as a tracer.
The secret history of natural disaster

Abstract This paper explores the failure of historians to properly engage the study of natural hazards. It argues that by focusing mainly on individual calamities, historians have overlooked the larger social and economic forces that have shaped the response to natural disaster over the last century. Two important trends, real estate capitalism and the entry of the state into the political economy of hazards after World War II, are singled out as crucial for understanding US society's response to natural disaster. As a result of these historical forces, risk became a commodity, with harmful environmental consequences.
The critical point of neon

Abstract Measurements of the specific heat of neon near its critical point are reported. The critical temperature and the critical density are found to be Tc = 44.448 ± 0.002 K, and ϱ = 0.483 ± 0.009 gm/cm3 respectively. The results are compared with the scaling laws prediction.
Visual Discrimination of Temporal Order

Past research addressed to the minimum temporal separation necessary for the judgment of visual stimulus order has failed to control peripheral adaptation and masking effects. The present study employed pairs of brief stimuli with each member presented to a separate eye; that is, dichoptic presentations. Under these conditions, minimum separations for the correct discrimination of order were found to be far less than those obtained in experiments in which both stimuli were presented to the same eye or to both eyes.
Tectonic history of subduction zones inferred from retrograde blueschist P-T paths

Many Phanerozoic convergent plate junctions are marked by discontinuous blueschist belts, reflecting relatively high-pressure (P) prograde trajectories. Common blueschist paragneisses, such as those of the western Alps, exhibit widespread overprinting by greenschist and/or epidote-amphibolite facies assemblages. For this type of high-P belt, retrograde metamorphism involved fairly rapid, nearly isothermal decompression; some terranes underwent continued heating during early stages of pressure release. Uplift probably occurred as a consequence of the entrance of an island arc, oceanic plateau, or segment of continental crust into the subduction zone (collision), resulting in marked deceleration or cessation of underflow and buoyant, approximately adiabatic rise of the stranded, recrystallized subduction complex. Other high-P belts, such as the Franciscan of western California, preserve metamorphic aragonite and lack a low-P overprint; retrogression approximately retraced the prograde P-T (temperature) path, or for early formed high-grade blocks, occurred at even higher P/T ratios. Parts of this type of metamorphic belt evidently migrated slowly back up the subduction zone in response to isostatic forces during continued plate descent and refrigeration. Upward motion took place as tectonically imbricated slices, as laminar return flow in melange zones, and perhaps partly a lateral spreading/extension of the underplated accretionary prism. Retrograde P-T trajectories of high-Pmore » belts therefore provide important constraints on the tectonic evolution of convergent plate junctions.« less
A robust VACNF platform for electrochemical biosensor

Vertically aligned carbon nanofiber (VACNF) is a promising electrode structure for electrochemical biosensor platform. In this paper, we address the mechanical stability and reusability issues of VACNF arrays. We demonstrate that improvement in mechanical stability requires special attention to surface treatment. We show that a thin SU8 layer on nanofiber forest forms a flexible passive layer at the base of the array and that wet etching works best to remove the passive layer from the VACNF tips. The optimum time for wet etching was found to be 2-3 minutes. We show that SU8 treated VACNF arrays have improved signal-to-noise response compared to the untreated bare VACNF arrays.
Physics and Computation of Aero-Optics

This article provides a critical review of aero-optics with an emphasis on recent developments in computational predictions and the physical mechanisms of flow-induced optical distortions. Following a brief introduction of the fundamental theory and key concepts, computational techniques for aberrating flow fields and optical propagation are discussed along with a brief survey of wave-front sensors used in experimental measurements. New physical understanding generated through numerical and experimental investigations is highlighted for a number of important aero-optical flows, including turbulent boundary layers, separated shear layers, and flow over optical turrets. Approaches for mitigating aero-optical effects are briefly discussed.
Ionic liquids and solids with paramagnetic anions

Four paramagnetic ionic compounds have been prepared and their magnetic, structural and thermal properties have been investigated. The four compounds are methylbutylpyrrolidinium tetrachloroferrate(III) ([Pyrr14]+/[FeCl4]−), methyltributylammonium tetrachloroferrate(III) ([N1444]+/[FeCl4]−), butylmethylimidazolium tetrachloroferrate(III) ([bmim]+/[FeCl4]−) and tetrabutylammonium bromotrichloroferrate(III) ([N4444]+/[FeBrCl3]−). Temperature-dependent studies of their magnetic behaviors show that all four compounds are paramagnetic at ambient temperatures. Glass transitions are observed for only two of the four compounds, [Pyrr14]+/[FeCl4]− and [bmim]+/[FeCl4]−. Crystal structures for [Pyrr14]+/[FeCl4]− and [N1444]+/[FeCl4]− are compared with the previously reported [N4444]+/[FeBrCl3]−.
Multi-scale models of cell and tissue dynamics

Cell and tissue movement are essential processes at various stages in the life cycle of most organisms. The early development of multi-cellular organisms involves individual and collective cell movement; leukocytes must migrate towards sites of infection as part of the immune response; and in cancer, directed movement is involved in invasion and metastasis. The forces needed to drive movement arise from actin polymerization, molecular motors and other processes, but understanding the cell- or tissue-level organization of these processes that is needed to produce the forces necessary for directed movement at the appropriate point in the cell or tissue is a major challenge. In this paper, we present three models that deal with the mechanics of cells and tissues: a model of an arbitrarily deformable single cell, a discrete model of the onset of tumour growth in which each cell is treated individually, and a hybrid continuum–discrete model of the later stages of tumour growth. While the models are different in scope, their underlying mechanical and mathematical principles are similar and can be applied to a variety of biological systems.
Hydrologic and biogeochemical controls on the spatial and temporal patterns of nitrogen and phosphorus in the Kuparuk River, arctic Alaska

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) dynamics in the Kuparuk River in arctic Alaska were characterized in a 3-year study using routine samples near the mouth of the river at the Arctic Ocean, synoptic whole-river surveys, and temporally intense sampling during storms in three headwater basins. The Lower Kuparuk River has low nitrate concentrations (mean [NO � -N] D 17 µg l � 1 s 1Ð6 SE) and dissolved inorganic N (DIN, mean [N] D 31 µ gl � 1 s 1Ð2 SE) compared with rivers in more temperate environments. Organic forms constituted on average 90% of the N exported to the Arctic Ocean, and high ratios of dissolved organic N (DON) to total dissolved N (TDN) concentrations (mean 0Ð92) likely result from waterlogged soils formed by reduced infiltration due to permafrost and low hydrologic gradients. Annual export of TDN, DON, and particulate N averaged 52 kg km � 2 ,4 8 kg km � 2 ,a nd 4Ð 1k g km � 2 respectively. During snowmelt, the high volume of runoff typically results in the highest nutrient loads of the year, although high discharge during summer storms can result in substantial nutrient loading over short periods of time. Differences in seasonal flow regime (snowmelt versus rain) and storm-driven variation in discharge appear to be more important for determining nutrient concentrations than is the spatial variation in processes along the transect from headwaters towards the ocean. Both the temporal variation in nitrate : DIN ratios of headwater streams and the spatial variation in nitrate : DIN between larger sub-basins and smaller headwater catchments is likely controlled by shifts in nitrification and soil anoxia. Copyright  2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cell population dynamics model for deconvolution of murine embryonic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation responses to cytokines and extracellular matrix

Stem cell self-renewal versus differentiation fate decisions are difficult to characterize and analyze due to multiple competing rate processes occurring simultaneously among heterogeneous cell subpopulations. To address this challenge, we describe a mathematical model for cell population dynamics that allows flow cytometry measurement of population distributions of molecular markers to be deconvoluted in terms of subpopulation-specific rate parameters distinguishing commitment to differentiation, proliferation of differentiated cells, and proliferation of undifferentiated cells (i.e., self-renewal). We validate this model-based parameter determination by means of dedicated, independent cell-tracking studies. Our approach facilitates interpretation of relationships underlying effects of external cues on cell responses in differentiating cultures via intracellular signals.
Investigation of suspected nosocomial clusters of Staphylococcus haemolyticus infections.

Objective To determine whether typing methods can discriminate among Staphylococcus haemolyticus isolates. Design Molecular epidemiological evaluation of S. haemolyticus isolates obtained from patients hospitalized on a hematology service and in a surgical intensive-care unit (SICU). Setting A large Midwestern teaching hospital. Interventions None. Results Over 22 days, S. haemolyticus was isolated from five patients on the hematology service. Isolates from four patients had the same unusual antibiogram and biotype. Ribotyping, restriction endonuclease digestion of plasmid DNA (REAP), and whole chromosomal DNA analysis by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) confirmed that these isolates were identical and different from the fifth patient's isolate and from 6 control isolates. In a second cluster, 11 S. haemolyticus isolates obtained from eight patients in the SICU had similar antibiograms and biotypes. By REAP and ribotype analysis, isolates from four patients were identical. However, PFGE indicated that only two of these patients shared a common strain. Conclusions Antibiograms or biotyping may discriminate among isolates of S. haemolyticus if the results of these tests are unusual. Many clinical isolates can be differentiated by REAP analysis, ribotyping, or PFGE. However, some isolates are identical by all of these methods, suggesting that they may have been transmitted nosocomially.
Geodynamic significance of localized spasmodic rapid-subsidence rates within the Cretaceous of central North America

Abstract On the basis of spatial-time analyses, rates of subsidence within 5 Ma intervals in Montana, Wyoming, and adjacent areas, are mapped on the basis of thicknesses of the dominantly shallow-water sedimentary rocks; this is possible by using (a) existing detailed radiometric (mainly for abundant bentonites) and biostratigraphic chronology, and (b) published details of several hundred well logs and measured outcrop sections. Nine 5 Ma-interval maps for Montana and Wyoming show that, in general, as in eastern U.S.A. and eastern Brazil, subsidence rates tend to be low ( 100 m/Ma and very locally > 200 m/Ma or even > 300 m/Ma); these domains are sharply defined in both space and time. Domains of very high rates sometimes partially overlap areally in successive 5 Ma intervals, but they do not do so in all cases. The well-documented Cretaceous global marine transgressions are complicated by these differential-downwarp events of the “basement”. The broadly analogous patterns documented in the Western Interior Basin, eastern U.S.A., and eastern Brazil militate against special localized explanations (e.g. a shallowly subducted plate). Analogies with major cratonic basins and geodynamic implications are reviewed briefly.
Factors associated with poor seizure control and increased side effects after switching to generic antiepileptic drugs

Summary Objective To determine those factors associated with increased seizures and side effects after switching from brand name to generic antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Methods We surveyed adult epilepsy patients and obtained demographic, clinical, and psychosocial data. We inquired whether they switched from brand name to generic AEDs, and whether they experienced poorer seizure control and increased side effects. Using univariate analysis, we determined those variables significantly associated with increased seizures and side effects. We applied binary logistic regression to determine those independently associated with these target variables. Results One hundred and twenty-one subjects completed the questionnaire. Seventy-one switched to generic AEDs. Of these, 18 subjects (25.7%) reported increased seizure frequency. This was associated with high seizure count ( p =0.03) and scores on the Beliefs About Medicines-General (BMQ-G) questionnaire ( p =0.04). On multivariate analysis, these variables were not independently significant. Fourteen subjects (20.6%) reported increased side effects. This was associated with being African-American ( p =0.04), and high scores on the BMQ-G ( p =0.01). On multivariate analysis, BMQ-G scores were independently associated with increased adverse effects. Interpretation High baseline seizure count is associated with increased seizure frequency while high BMQ-G scores are associated with increased seizure frequency and adverse effects when patients switch from brand name to generic AEDs.
Analysis of Protein Composition Using Multidimensional Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry

Multidimensional liquid chromatography of peptides produced by protease digestion of complex protein mixtures followed by tandem mass spectrometry can be coupled with automated database searching to identify large numbers of proteins in complex samples. These methods avoid the limitations of gel electrophoresis and in-gel digestions by directly identifying protein mixtures in solution. One method used extensively is named Multidimensional Protein Identification Technology (MudPIT), where reversed-phase chromatography and strong cation-exchange chromatography are coupled directly in a microcapillary column. This column is then placed in line between an HPLC and a mass spectrometer for complex mixture analysis. MudPIT remains a powerful approach for analyzing complex mixtures like whole proteomes and protein complexes. MudPIT is used for quantitative proteomic analysis of complex mixtures to generate novel biological insights.
Lung cancer preneoplasia

From histological and biological perspectives, lung cancer is a complex neoplasm. Although the sequential preneoplastic changes have been defined for centrally arising squamous carcinomas of the lung, they have been poorly documented for the other major forms of lung cancers, including small cell lung carcinoma and adenocarcinomas. There are three main morphologic forms of preneoplastic lesions recognized in the lung: squamous dysplasias, atypical adenomatous hyperplasia, and diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia. However, these lesions account for the development of only a subset of lung cancers. Several studies have provided information regarding the molecular characterization of lung preneoplastic changes, especially for squamous cell carcinoma. These molecular changes have been detected in the histologically normal and abnormal respiratory epithelium of smokers. Two different molecular pathways have been detected in lung adenocarcinoma pathogenesis: smoking-associated activation of RAS signaling, and nonsmoking-associated activation of EGFR signaling; the latter is detected in histologically normal respiratory epithelium.
Nutrition Management of Patients with Epidermolysis Bullosa

Abstract Epiderrnolysis bullosa (EB), a heterogeneous group of rare, inherited disorders, is manifested by recurrent blistering of the skin induced by the slightest trauma. Little information exists regarding the nutrition management of patients with EB. This study presents information on growth, identifies potential nutrition problems, and provides guidelines for nutrition management of persons with EB. Eighty patients attending a dermatology clinic for EB patients are described. Severity of disease ranged from mild blistering of the knees, elbows, and feet to extensive blistering and scarring of the skin and entire gastrointestinal tract. Of the 18 children with EB simplex, which is a mild form of the disease, 4 (22%) were at nutritional risk. None of the 13 adults with EB simplex were underweight and 8 (62%) were overweight. Of the patients with the more severe forms of EB, 27 of the 35 (77%) children with dystrophic EB and 4 of the 7 (57%) children with junctional EB were at risk for malnutrition. Of the 7 adults with dystrophic EB, 6 (86%) were underweight. Common nutrition problems included protein-energy malnutrition, chewing and swallowing problems, constipation, anemia, and vitamin/mineral deficiencies. When nutrition care protocols address these problems, growth, development, and nutritional status can improve. For those with severe nutrition problems, gastrostomy feeding or similar nutrition therapies should be considered. J Am Diet Assoc. 1995; 95:575-579 .
An empirical examination of the effects of information systems integration on business process improvement

Since the mid‐1980s, the subject of information systems (IS) integration and its role in business process improvement (BPI) has been of considerable interest to business managers and researchers. The present study examines the effects of IS integration on BPI. The moderating effects of industry type, information intensity of the industry, and time since the initiation of the existing program in the firm have also been analyzed. The data for the study were gathered through a survey of Fortune 500 US firms at divisional levels. The results of the study support the hypotheses that data integration and communication networks integration affect the dimensions of BPI. However, none of the moderators, except industry type, was found significantly affecting the relationships between networks integration and process improvement effect and customer focus.
Cottonwood hybrids gain fitness traits of both parents: a mechanism for theirlong-term persistence?

Using surveys of natural populations, experimental crosses, and common garden trials, we tested the hypothesis that hybrid cottonwoods (Populus fremontii × P. angustifolia) from the Weber River in northern Utah would produce as many viable offspring as their parental species. We found that both F(1) generations and backcross generations can be just as fit as the parent taxa. First, F(1) hybrids produced as many viable seed as P. angustifolia (but less than P. fremontii), and backcross genotypes produced as many viable seeds as both parent taxa. Second, hybrids produced nearly two times as many ramets from root sprouts as P. angustifolia and four times as many ramets as P. fremontii. Third, the high mortality of germinated seedlings of all tree types (i.e., >90%) and very low mortality of asexually derived ramets provide hybrids with equal sexual reproduction and enhanced asexual reproduction, especially since backcross hybrids exhibit transgressive segregation in ramet production. Our findings suggest that the introgression of P. fremontii seed traits into the hybrid genome is responsible for their equivalent performance (at least to one parent) in sexual reproduction, while the contributions of asexual traits from P. angustifola results in hybrids having equal or greater fitness.
Tritium hydrology of the Mississippi River basin

In the early 1960s, the US Geological Survey began routinely analysing river water samples for tritium concentrations at locations within the Mississippi River basin. The sites included the main stem of the Mississippi River (at Luling Ferry, Louisiana), and three of its major tributaries, the Ohio River (at Markland Dam, Kentucky), the upper Missouri River (at Nebraska City, Nebraska) and the Arkansas River (near Van Buren, Arkansas). The measurements cover the period during the peak of the bomb-produced tritium transient when tritium concentrations in precipitation rose above natural levels by two to three orders of magnitude. Using measurements of tritium concentrations in precipitation, a tritium input function was established for the river basins above the Ohio River, Missouri River and Arkansas River sampling locations. Owing to the extent of the basin above the Luling Ferry site, no input function was developed for that location. The input functions for the Ohio and Missouri Rivers were then used in a two-component mixing model to estimate residence times of water within these two basins. (The Arkansas River was not modelled because of extremely large yearly variations in flow during the peak of the tritium transient.) The two components used were: (i) recent precipitation (prompt outflow) and (ii) waters derived from the long-term groundwater reservoir of the basin. The tritium concentration of the second component is a function of the atmospheric input and the residence times of the groundwaters within the basin. Using yearly time periods, the parameters of the model were varied until a best fit was obtained between modelled and measured tritium data. The results from the model indicate that about 40% of the flow in the Ohio River was from prompt outflow, as compared with 10% for the Missouri River. Mean residence times of 10 years were calculated for the groundwater component of the Ohio River versus 4 years for the Missouri River. The mass flux of tritium through the Mississippi Basin and its tributaries was calculated during the years that tritium measurements were made. The cumulative fluxes, calculated in grams of 3H were: (i) 160 g for the Ohio (1961–1986), (ii) 98 g for the upper Missouri (1963–1997), (iii) 30 g for the Arkansas (1961–1997) and (iv) 780 g for the Mississippi (1961–1997). Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Viscosity of poly(vinyl acetate) and its concentrated solutions

Data on the viscosity of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVOAc) and its concentrated solutions in diethyl phthalate (DEP) and cetyl alcohol (CeOH) are examined over the molecular weight range 8 × 103 ca. 0.25, increasing with decreasing φ for smaller φ. Both β and T0 depend on φ, and T0 also depends on M at low M.
To Walk or Not to Walk? The Hierarchy of Walking Needs

The multitude of quality of life problems associated with declining walking rates has impelled researchers from various disciplines to identify factors related to this behavior change. Currently, this body of research is in need of a transdisciplinary, multilevel theoretical model that can help explain howindividual, group, regional, and physical-environmental factors all affect physical activity behaviors. To address this gap, this article offers a social-ecological model of walking that presents a dynamic, causal model of the decision-making process. Within the model, a hierarchy of walking needs operates and organizes five levels of needs hierarchically and presents them as antecedents within the walking decision-making process. This model can (a) serve as a framework by which to understand the relative significance of the cornucopia of variables identified by existing research, (b) offer hypotheses for how these factors affect peoples' decision to walk, and (c) help to guide future research and practice.
Presynaptic Nicotinic Cholinergic Receptors Labeled by [3H]Acetylcholine on Catecholamine and Serotonin Axons in Brain

: Nicotinic cholinergic receptor binding sites labeled by [3H]acetylcholine were measured in the cerebral cortices, thalami, striata, and hypothalami of rats lesioned by intraventricular injection of either 6-hydroxydopamine or 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine. In addition, [3H]acetylcholine binding sites were measured in the cerebral cortices of rats lesioned by injection of ibotenic acid into the nucleus basalis magnocellularis. [3H]Acetylcholine binding was significantly decreased in the striata and hypothalami of both 6-hydroxydopamine-and 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine-lesioned rats. There was no change in binding in the cortex or thalamus by either lesion. Ibotenic acid lesions of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis, which projects cholinergic axons to the cortex, did not alter [3H]acetylcholine binding. These results provide evidence for a presynaptic location of nicotinic cholinergic binding sites on catecholamine and serotonin axons in the striatum and hypothalamus.
Membraneless laminar flow-based micro fuel cells operating in alkaline, acidic, and acidic/alkaline media

Abstract The lack of a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM, e.g. Nafion) in membraneless, laminar flow-based micro fuel cells (LF-FCs) eliminates several PEM-related issues such as fuel crossover, cathode flooding, and anode dry-out, as we reported previously. This paper explores the media flexibility of LF-FCs by working in acidic and alkaline media, as well under “mixed-media” conditions in which the anode is in acidic media while the cathode is in alkali, or vice versa. Operating a fuel cell under alkaline conditions has positive effects on the reaction kinetics, both at the anode and cathode, while the cell performance under “mixed-media” conditions offers an opportunity to increase the maximum achievable open cell potential (OCP). The lack of media-related constraints and the simplicity of the LF-FC design allow for these experiments to be performed consecutively in a single LF-FC without changing the system, except for altering the composition/pH of the fuel and oxidant stream. The performance of LF-FCs operated with different media is described and compared.
Skeletal correlates of body weight in the Black-billed Streamertail ( Trochilus scitulus ) of Jamaica

A BSTRACT.— Analyses of body size evolution in hummingbirds (Trochilidae) are hampered by the lack of standardized weight data for most of the ~330 described species. Moreover, little is known of the morphological correlates of body weight upon which a body-size index could be constructed. I investigated the skeletal correlates of body weight in the endemic Black-billed Streamertail ( Trochilus scitulus ) of Jamaica. Mist-netted males were weighed at initial capture and after the holding period (2.1–6.7 hr). Seven of 10 skeletal characters exhibited marginally higher correlations with the second measure of body weight, which was unbiased by gut contents. Sternum length emerged as the single best skeletal predictor of body weight. A multivariate index (PCA 1) derived from three sternal characters had approximately the same predictive value as a comparable analysis of all ten skeletal characters. This suggests that a simple multivariate measure of sternal morphology may provide a reliable body size index for hummingbirds. K EYWORDS.— B ody size index , hummingbirds , museum specimens , Trochilidae , Trochilus scitulus.
Continuous Qualitative Electroencephalography as a Noninvasive Neuromonitor

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring frequently guides key decisions in the management of diseases causing intracranial hypertension. Although typically measured by invasive means, contraindications may leave the clinician with little recourse for dynamic ICP evaluation-particularly when the patient's mental status is compromised. We describe here a healthy 18-year-old woman who subacutely progressed to coma due to diffuse cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Heparinization precluded the use of invasive ICP monitoring, and electroencephalography (EEG) was used novelly as a surrogate ICP monitor. She responded well to anticoagulation and hyperosmolar therapy guided by qualitative EEG and was later discharged with a nearly normal neurologic examination. She was found to have Salmonella bacteremia, heterozygous prothrombin and factor V Leiden mutations, and hemoglobin H disease.
Labeling an Egg Parasitoid, Anagrus epos (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), with Rubidium within an Overwintering Refuge

French prune trees provide overwintering habitat for the egg parasitoid Anagrus epos Girault (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), an important natural enemy of the the grape leafhopper, Erythroneura elegantula Osborn (Homoptera: Cicadellidae). French prune trees were treated with rubidium during the fall of 1991–1993 to assess the potential for obtaining an elemental label in overwintering A. epos . Multiple applications of 5,000-ppm solutions of RbCl to French prune foliage from late August to early October resulted in increases in foliar rubidium content of up to 200 times the naturally occuring concentration. Rubidium content of adult prune leafhoppers, Edwanuiana prunicola Edwards (Homoptera: Cicadellidae), collected from treated trees was up to 130 times the naturally occurring level. Naturally occuring rubidium content of A. epos was 0.052 ng Rb per individual based on a sample of 498 wasps collected from 3 separate, untreated grape vineyards. Mean rubidium content was 0.205 ng Rb in A. epos collected in the spring directly from French prune trees that had been treated in the fall with RbCl. This is 3.9 times the background level and indicates successful labeling of overwintering A. epos . However, there was substantial overlap in rubidium content between A. epos from treated trees and those from untreated sites. A. epos reared from rubidium-enriched host eggs and maintained in the lab on a mixture of honey and water e1iliibited minimal decay of the elemental label during the adult lifetime. Success of this labeling approach has made possible the direct study of the dispersal of A. epos from treated French prune tree refuges into adjacent grape vineyards.
Enhancing Conformation and Protonation State Sampling of Hen Egg White Lysozyme Using pH Replica Exchange Molecular Dynamics.

We evaluate the efficiency of the pH replica exchange molecular dynamics (pH-REMD) method proposed by Itoh et al. (Proteins2011, 79, 3420–3436) by using it to predict the pKa values of the titratable residues in hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL). pKa values predicted using pH-REMD converge significantly faster than those calculated using constant pH molecular dynamics (CpHMD). Furthermore, increasing the frequency between exchange attempts in pH-REMD simulations improves protonation and conformational state sampling. By enabling the simulation to sample both conformational and protonation states more rapidly, pH-REMD simulations provide valuable insight into the pH-dependence of HEWL that the CpHMD simulations failed to capture. We present an efficient and highly scalable implementation of pH-REMD as an attractive enhancement to traditional CpHMD methods.
Structure and Process in Consociationalism and Federalism

It is relatively easy to characterize the institutional structure of a country as consociational or federal. The task is much more difficult if we turn from structure to the decision process. Within a given structure, there may be a great deal of variation with regard to the decision process. Data for such variation are given for the decision process in Switzerland for which the following four types are distinguished: (1) consociational and federal, (2) consociational and unitary, (3) competitive and federal, and (4) competitive and unitary. Difficulties are discussed in aggregating from such a variation to a measure for the prevailing decision process in a country as a whole. It is suggested that the problem be disaggregated and that decision processes be compared for particular issues. This can be done both across and within countries.
MicroRNA-30c-1-3p is a silencer of the pregnane X receptor by targeting the 3′-untranslated region and alters the expression of its target gene cytochrome P450 3A4

The pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a master regulator of genes involved in drug elimination. Recently, activation of PXR has also been linked to the development of many disease conditions such as metabolic disorders and malignancies. MicroRNAs (miRs) emerge as important molecular species involved in these conditions. This study was undertaken to test a large number of miRs for their ability to regulate PXR expression. As many as 58 miRs were tested and miR-30c-1-3p was identified to suppress PXR expression. The suppression was achieved by targeting the 3'-untranslated region, 438 nucleotides from the stop codon. The suppression was detected in multiple cell lines from different organ origins. In addition, miR-30c-1-3p altered basal and induced expression of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), a prototypical target gene of PXR. The alteration varied depending on the time and amounts of miR-30c-1-3p. CYP3A4 is responsible for the metabolism of more than 50% medicines. The interconnection between miR-30c-1-3p and PXR signifies a role of miRs in drug-drug interactions and chemosensitivity. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Xenobiotic nuclear receptors: New Tricks for An Old Dog, edited by Dr. Wen Xie.
A RADical Idea: A Call to Eliminate “Attachment Disorder” and “Attachment Therapy” From the Clinical Lexicon

ABSTRACT“Attachment disorder” and “attachment therapy” are common terms used in applied clinical practice. However, these terms are not typically employed in research settings or published scientific papers. In this article, the author reviews the theoretical tenets and empirical research of attachment theory and discusses how these two terms fail to coincide with the scientific knowledge. The historical development of these phrases is considered, as well as the potential impact they have on clinical practice. The ultimate conclusion is that the “attachment disorder” and “attachment therapy” constructs are hindrances to evidence-based clinical practice and should be eliminated from the clinical lexicon.
Monitoring and Prevention of Occupational Cancer

Occupational oncology is an important branch of oncology. The development of risk factors, legal lists, diagnosis, monitoring and prophylaxis of occupational cancer is reviewed in this article.
Sharing the data The information policies of NOAA and EUMETSAT

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) work together in three different fields: geostationary satellites, polar-orbiting satellites, and ocean altimetry satellites. These programs each generate different data, and render the two organizations capable of performing global observations that meet the requirements of their respective missions. The paper examines the data policies of the two organizations in the context of the agreements established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The paper analyzes the partnership through their data policies and agreements from agency websites, technical literature, treaties, and reports generated by their respective data centers. The research illustrates how, despite differences in policy, industrial standards, technologies, and national boundaries, resource-pooling initiatives can improve efficiency and benefit user communities. Through the mutual exchange of data, instruments, and grounds operations, NOAA and EUMETSAT have established a long-standing partnership that has strengthened the weather community and overall information infrastructure of meteorology.
The Biochemical Properties of Antibodies and Their Fragments

Immunoglobulins (Ig) or antibodies are powerful molecular recognition tools that can be used to identify minute quantities of a given target analyte. Their antigen-binding properties define both the sensitivity and selectivity of an immunoassay. Understanding the biochemical properties of this class of protein will provide users with the knowledge necessary to select the appropriate antibody composition to maximize immunoassay results. Here we define the general biochemical properties of antibodies and their similarities and differences, explain how these properties influence their functional relationship to an antigen target, and describe a method for the enzymatic fragmentation of antibodies into smaller functional parts.
Complications of colonoscopy and polypectomy. Report of the Southern California Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

The Southern California Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, by means of a questionnaire sent to its members, has reported on the complications encountered in a total of 3,850 colonoscopies and 901 polypectomies. The incidence of perforation and bleeding in this series is determined and compared to those available in the current literature. The morbidity and mortality of colonoscopic polypectomy is compared to polypectomy performed by surgery.
Competing cohesive layer models for prediction of delamination growth

Publisher Summary The cohesive layer methodology has proven to be a powerful tool for the study of delamination growth in laminated composites. It is based on the postulation of a layer of cohesive material between the surfaces liable to delaminate and an energy release criterion for its decohesion. A majority of the investigators have used cohesive layers of zero thickness, although there is an implicit recognition of a cohesive zone upstream of the crack tip which must necessarily have some thickness, however small. The cohesive law takes the form of a relationship between the relative displacements between the delaminating layers and the interlaminar stresses. This chapter summarizes the results of an investigation on the relative merits of these types of models, using test cases of delamination in a double cantilever beam and a pre-cracked laminate under low velocity impact. It presents the comparison between the two distinctly different cohesive layer models, one having finite thickness and governed by a stress-strain relationship (UMAT model) and the other having zero initial thickness and governed by stress-relative displacement relationship (UEL model).
Organocatalyzed Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization Using N-Aryl Phenoxazines as Photoredox Catalysts

N-Aryl phenoxazines have been synthesized and introduced as strongly reducing metal-free photoredox catalysts in organocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization for the synthesis of well-defined polymers. Experiments confirmed quantum chemical predictions that, like their dihydrophenazine analogs, the photoexcited states of phenoxazine photoredox catalysts are strongly reducing and achieve superior performance when they possess charge transfer character. We compare phenoxazines to previously reported dihydrophenazines and phenothiazines as photoredox catalysts to gain insight into the performance of these catalysts and establish principles for catalyst design. A key finding reveals that maintenance of a planar conformation of the phenoxazine catalyst during the catalytic cycle encourages the synthesis of well-defined macromolecules. Using these principles, we realized a core substituted phenoxazine as a visible light photoredox catalyst that performed superior to UV-absorbing phenoxazines as well as previously reported organic photocatalysts in organocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization. Using this catalyst and irradiating with white LEDs resulted in the production of polymers with targeted molecular weights through achieving quantitative initiator efficiencies, which possess dispersities ranging from 1.13 to 1.31.