cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of glycosylated bovine placental lactogen and the effect of enzymatic deglycosylation on receptor binding and biological activity.

Bovine placental lactogen (bPL) is a glycoprotein hormone that has both somatogenic and lactogenic properties. Purified preparations of the hormone contain many isoforms that are separated by isoelectric focusing. The sequence for bPL contains one consensus site for an N-inked oligosaccharide and many potential sites for O-linked sugars. To determine whether the isoforms are the result of differences in glycosylation, the oligosaccharide portion of bPL was partially characterized. In addition, a number of the isoforms were isolated and enzymatically deglycosylated to determine the effect of O- and N-linked glycosylation on biological activity. Biological activity was assessed in a somatotropin radioreceptor assay and also in the Nb2 lymphoma lactogenic bioassay. The structure of N-linked oligosaccharide was found to be sialylated and triantennary and appeared to be the same for all of the different charge isomers. Compositional analysis suggested that O-linked oligosaccharides were also present. Treatment...
Modelling and characterization of mixed ionic-electronic conduction in Gd2(Ti1 − xMnx)2O7 + y

Mixed ionic and electronic conductivity was obtained in Gd2Ti2O7 by doping with Mn. This was confirmed by measuring the nonstoichiometry and the electrical conductivity as a function of oxygen partial pressure, temperature and Mn concentration. The results were combined with the defect and transport models, to derive key thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of Gd2Ti2O7 doped with Mn.
An Alternative in the Management of the Infected Vascular Prosthesis

Etude experimentale chez le chien, de modeles d'infection de protheses vasculaires. Le traitement par antibiotiques associe a une reintervention du niveau de la greffe a donne les meilleurs resultats
The spitzer space telescope mission

Abstract The Spitzer Space Telescope, NASA’s Great Observatory for infrared astronomy, was launched 2003 August 25 and is returning excellent scientific data from its Earth-trailing solar orbit. Spitzer combines the intrinsic sensitivity achievable with a cryogenic telescope in space with the great imaging and spectroscopic power of modern detector arrays to provide the user community with huge gains in capability for exploration of the cosmos in the infrared. The observatory systems are largely performing as expected, and the projected cryogenic lifetime is about five years. Spitzer is thus both a scientific and a technical precursor to the infrared astronomy missions of the future. This very brief paper refers interested readers to several sets of recent publications which describe both the scientific and the technical features of Spitzer in detail. Note that, until 2003 December, Spitzer was known as the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF).
How to Tell If a New Marker Improves Prediction

The ability to predict clinical outcomes accurately is critical to the proper management of any human disease. Prostate cancer, with its numerous clinical states, myriad treatment options, and uncertain natural history, has become a popular testing ground for prediction models, and the development of novel prognostic markers continues at a rapid rate. Indeed, in the current issue, Guazzoni and colleagues report on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) isoform p2PSA as a novel marker that predicts prostate cancer at biopsy [1]. What makes p2PSA or any other prognostic marker valuable? In other words, what criteria should a marker meet to justify its inclusion in the clinical decisionmaking process? Onewould expect that a candidate marker be noninvasive, cost effective, scientifically plausible, and easy to use. But, perhaps most importantly, the marker should demonstrate an incrementally improved ability to predict some clinical outcome beyondwhat is possible with established markers. Investigators presumably develop and offer novel markers in the hope that their use will lead to more accurate risk estimation and allow informed and appropriate decision making by both physicians and patients. Improved clinical outcomes, such as increased survival, reduced mortality, or avoidance of complications, are the ultimate goal andwould determine the true clinical value of a given marker. Unfortunately, such data would require follow-up studies involving long-term use of the marker. As such, surrogate means are generally used to evaluate the potential immediate value of a new marker and determine whether or not it should be used in current clinical practice. Traditionally, the value of a novel marker has been judged using several methods: proving correlation or association with established markers, demonstrating statistical significance (ie, small p value) in a univariable analysis, or
Prostaglandin F2alpha regulates distinct physiological changes in early and mid-cycle bovine corpora lutea.

Prostaglandin (PG) F 2α is the primary luteolysin in most species. A single treatment with PGF 2α will cause regression of the mid-cycle but not the early-cycle (Days 1-5 after estrus) bovine corpus luteum (CL) despite the presence of similar concentrations of high-affinity PGF 2α receptors (FP receptors). This study was designed to determine whether PGF 2α activated similar intracellular processes in early- and mid-cycle CL. Cows received saline or 25 mg PGF 2α injection (i.m.; n = 6/group) on Day 4 or 11 after onset of the LH surge (induced by GnRH injection), and CL were collected at 4 h after treatment. As expected, CL volumes and luteal weights were not different at 4 h after PGF 2α treatment. Luteal vitamin C concentration and steady-state concentrations of mRNA for 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and for FP receptor were decreased by 4 h in both Day 4 and 11 CL treated with PGF 2α (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate clear actions of PGF 2α in the early CL. In contrast, steady-state concentrations of mRNA encoding PG G/H synthase-2 (PGHS-2) were increased by treatment with PGF 2α in mid-cycle CL but decreased by PGF 2α in early-cycle CL (p < 0.05). In addition, treatment of mid-cycle but not early-cycle cows with PGF 2α decreased luteal and serum progesterone concentrations by 4 h (p < 0.05). In summary, PGF 2α clearly exerts actions in both early-and mid-cycle bovine CL. The lack of PGF 2α -induced luteolysis in the early CL may be due to specific changes in gene expression, especially PGHS-2, that may prevent intraluteal PGF 2α production and possibly other key luteolytic processes.
Making fine-grained and coarse-grained sense distinctions, both manually and automatically

In this paper we discuss a persistent problem arising from polysemy: namely the difficulty of finding consistent criteria for making fine-grained sense distinctions, either manually or automatically. We investigate sources of human annotator disagreements stemming from the tagging for the English Verb Lexical Sample Task in the Senseval-2 exercise in automatic Word Sense Disambiguation. We also examine errors made by a high-performing maximum entropy Word Sense Disambiguation system we developed. Both sets of errors are at least partially reconciled by a more coarse-grained view of the senses, and we present the groupings we use for quantitative coarse-grained evaluation as well as the process by which they were created. We compare the system’s performance with our human annotator performance in light of both fine-grained and coarse-grained sense distinctions and show that well-defined sense groups can be of value in improving word sense disambiguation by both humans and machines.
Progress Towards an End-to-End Model of an Electrothermal Chemical Gun

Much progress has been made in the last few years toward the development of an end-to-end computer model of an electrothermal chemical gun. Phenomena that must be considered in an electrothermal chemical gun model include the initial capillary plasma properties, the plasma-air interaction, plasma sheath effects, and the plasma-propellant interaction itself. This paper presents an overview of recent progress made modeling these various phenomena. Also discussed are methods under consideration to incorporate surface chemistry effects into the plasma-propellant interaction model.
Acid volatile sulfides oxidation and metals (Mn, Zn) release upon sediment resuspension: laboratory experiment and model development.

Sediment from the Anacostia River (Washington, DC, USA) was suspended in aerobic artificial river water for 14 d to investigate the dynamics of dissolved metals release and related parameters including pH, acid volatile sulfides (AVS), and dissolved/solid phase Fe2+. To better understand and predict the underlying processes, a mathematical model is developed considering oxidation of reduced species, dissolution of minerals, pH changes, and pH-dependent metals' sorption to sediment. Oxidation rate constants of elemental sulfur and zinc sulfide, and a dissolution rate constant of carbonate minerals, were adjusted to fit observations. The proposed model and parameters were then applied, without further calibration, to literature-reported experimental observations of resuspension in an acid sulfate soil collected in a coastal flood plain. The model provided a good description of the dynamics of AVS, Fe2+, S0(s), pH, dissolved carbonates concentrations, and the release of Ca(aq), Mg(aq), and Zn(aq) in both sediments. Accurate predictions of Mn(aq) release required adjustment of sorption partitioning coefficient, presumably due to the presence of Mn scavenging by phases not accounted for in the model. The oxidation of AVS (and the resulting release of sulfide-bound metals) was consistent with a two-step process, a relatively rapid AVS oxidation to elemental sulfur (S0(s)) and a slow oxidation of S0(s) to SO(aq), with an associated decrease in pH from neutral to acidic conditions. This acidification was the dominant factor for the release of metals into the aqueous phase. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:564–575. © 2011 SETAC
Imaging and Modeling the Dynamics of Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) plays a central role in cellular homeostasis and is mediated by clathrin-coated pits (CCPs). Live-cell imaging has revealed a remarkable heterogeneity in CCP assembly kinetics, which can be used as an intrinsic source of mechanistic information on CCP regulation but also poses several major problems for unbiased analysis of CME dynamics. The backbone of unveiling the molecular control of CME is an imaging-based inventory of the full diversity of individual CCP behaviors, which requires detection and tracking of structural fiduciaries and regulatory proteins with an accuracy of >99.9%, despite very low signals. This level of confidence can only be achieved by combining appropriate imaging modalities with self-diagnostic computational algorithms for image analysis and data mining.
Studies of neuromodulation of oscillatory systems in Aplysia, by means of genetic algorithms

Neural modeling methods were used to obtain insights into the role of neuromodulatory cotrans mitters. Although the work was guided by specific experimental observations on feeding in Aplysia, it was meant as a more general treatment of behavioral systems. Genetic algorithms were used to evolve the parameters needed to permit a simple two-neuron circuit to oscillate and contract mus cles that execute rhythmic feeding responses. The evolved circuits were found to possess a number of "emergent" properties not specifically selected for. The fitness of the circuit decreased under a variety of conditions, particularly when the rate of the rhythmic program increased. The fitness of the system could be restored when an autoregulatory cotransmitter system was added and served to dynamically alter the parameters of the muscles that generated the behavior.
Effects of chronic alcohol consumption on regulation of myocardial protein synthesis

Heart disease represents an important etiology of mortality in chronic alcoholics. The purpose of the present study was to examine potential mechanisms for the inhibitory effect of chronic alcohol ...
Pituitary adenomas: historical perspective, surgical management and future directions

Pituitary adenomas are among the most common central nervous system tumors. They represent a diverse group of neoplasms that may or may not secrete hormones based on their cell of origin. Epidemiologic studies have documented the incidence of pituitary adenomas within the general population to be as high as 16.7%. A growing body of work has helped to elucidate the pathogenesis of these tumors. Each subtype has been shown to demonstrate unique cellular changes potentially leading to tumorigenesis. Surgical advancements over several decades have included microsurgery and the employment of the endoscope for surgical resection. These advancements increase the likelihood of gross-total resection and have resulted in decreased patient morbidity.
The Increasing Influence of Urban Environments on US Forest Management

The expansion of urban land promises to have an increasingly significant influence on US forest management in the coming decades. Percent of the coterminous United States classified as urban increased from 2.5% in 1990 to 3.1% in 2000, an area about the size of Vermont and New Hampshire combined. Patterns of urban expansion reveal that increased growth rates are likely in the future. The most urbanized regions of the United States are the Northeast (9.7%) and the Southeast (7.5%), with these regions also exhibiting the greatest increase in percent urban land between 1990 and 2000. Forests near urban communities face a special set of challenges that will only intensify as these communities grow in area, population, and complexity.
New methods for anionic polymerizations at elevated temperatures : 'Retarded anionic polymerizations'

Living anionic polymerizations are one of the most important methods for the synthesis of well-defined homo- and block copolymers, but these polymerizations are typically carried out at low temperatures, which limits their applications. Deffieux et al. recently reported new methods to lower, or retard, the rate of polymerization using different additives. He called this collection of different methods 'retarded anionic polymerizations'. In addition to lowering the rate of propagation, these methods also stabilize the polymer chain end such that the rate of self-termination is lowered. These polymerizations require elevated temperatures to reach reasonable rates of polymerization while still allowing the chain ends to remain active. This emergent area points at new directions to allow anionic polymerizations to be carried out under conditions that are more amenable to industrial synthesis and to synthesize new polymer architectures.
Carlos Ponce Sangines, Godfather of Bolivian Archaeology

Carlos Ponce Sangines (May 6, 1925 – March 18, 2005) directed Bolivian archaeology for most of the last half of the 20th century. His view of how archaeology should be done in Bolivia has left a permanent stamp on the development of the field in that country, and on our understanding of the second great Andean empire, Tiwanaku.
Characterization and isolation of an extracellular serine protease from the tomato pathogen Colletotrichum coccodes, and it's role in pathogenicity

Extracellular enzymes play an important role in the pathogenicity and virulence of phytopathogenic fungi. Several isolates of Colletotrichum coccodes causal agent of anthracnose on tomato, were screened to determine the relationship between protease activity and virulence. A direct relationship was observed between extracellular protease activity and the induction of disease symptoms of fruit and mortality in plants. Isolate Cc155 exhibited the highest protease activity after five days of growth in protease induction medium and produced an extracellular serine protease (sp78) that was 78 kDa, auto-degradative, glucose repressible, and non-glycosylated. To determine the role of sp78 in pathogenicity, a UV-induced extracellular protease deficient mutant (np155) was generated from the wildtype isolate Cc155. Np155 maintained growth rates comparable to Cc155 and produced wildtype levels of extracellular cellulase but did not produce extracellular protease. Unlike Cc155, np155 caused no disease symptoms on tomato fruit and 0% mortality on tomato seedlings. These results suggest that extracellular protease activity is required for pathogenicity and virulence of C. coccodes and that the elimination of protease activity transforms a virulent pathogen to a non-pathogenic endophyte.
Substrate Specificity of the Arabidopsis thaliana Sucrose Transporter AtSUC2

The Arabidopsis sucrose transporter AtSUC2 is expressed in the companion cells of the phloem (specialized vascular tissue) and is essential for the long distance transport of carbohydrates within the plant. A variety of glucosides are known to inhibit sucrose uptake into yeast expressing AtSUC2; however, it remains unknown whether glucosides other than sucrose could serve as transported substrates. By expression of AtSUC2 in Xenopus oocytes and two-electrode voltage clamping, we have tested the ability of AtSUC2 to transport a range of physiological and synthetic glucosides. Sucrose induced inward currents with a K0.5 of 1.44 mM at pH 5 and a membrane potential of -137 mV. Of the 24 additional sugars tested, 8 glucosides induced large inward currents allowing kinetic analysis. These glucosides were maltose, arbutin (hydroquinone-beta-D-glucoside), salicin (2-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl-beta-D-glucoside), alpha-phenylglucoside, beta-phenylglucoside, alpha-paranitrophenylglucoside, beta-paranitrophenylglucoside, and paranitrophenyl-beta-thioglucoside. In addition, turanose and alpha-methylglucoside induced small but significant inward currents indicating that they were transported by At-SUC2. The results indicate that AtSUC2 is not highly selective for alpha-over beta-glucosides and may function in transporting glucosides besides sucrose into the phloem, and the results provide insight into the structural requirements for transport by AtSUC2.
A Study of the Allocation Behavior of the SPECjvm98 Java Benchmark

We present an analysis of the memory usage for six of the Java programs in the SPECjvm98 benchmark suite. Most of the programs are real-world applications with high demands on the memory system. For each program, we measured as much low level data as possible, including age and size distribution, type distribution, and the overhead of object alignment. Among other things, we found that non-pointer data usually represents more than 50% of the allocated space for instance objects, that Java objects tend to live longer than objects in Smalltalk or ML, and that they are fairly small.
Reactively controlled directive arrays

The radiation characteristics of an N -port antenna system can be controlled by impedance loading the ports and feeding only one or several of the ports. Reactive loads can be used to resonate a real port current to give a radiation pattern of high directivity. The theory of resonance is extended to include complex port currents and impedance loads. The initial design of an array is obtained by resonating a desired port current vector, which is then improved by an optimum seeking univariate search method. The direction of maximum gain can be controlled by varying the load reactances. Several numerical examples are given for a circular array of seven dipole elements.
Abundance estimates of the Indo-Pacific lionfish Pterois volitans/miles complex in the Western North Atlantic

Less than a decade after being observed off Florida, the invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish is now widely distributed off the southeast coast of the United States. As a step towards measuring invasion impacts to native communities, we examine the magnitude and extent of this invasion by first, compiling reports of lionfish to provide range information and second, estimate lionfish abundance from two separate studies. We also estimate native grouper (epinepheline serranids) abundance to better assess and compare lionfish abundances. In the first study we conducted SCUBA diver visual transect surveys at 17 different locations off the North Carolina coast in water depths of 35–50 m. In the second study, we conducted 27 Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) transect surveys at five locations from Florida to North Carolina in water depths of 50–100 m. In both studies, lionfish were found to be second in abundance only to scamp (Mycteroperca phenax). Lionfish were found in higher abundance in the shallower North Carolina SCUBA surveys (\(\bar{x}= 21.2\) ha−1) than in the deep water ROV surveys (\(\bar{x} = 5.2\) ha−1). Lionfish reports continue to expand most recently into the Bahamas, raising the specter of further spread into the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. The potential impacts of lionfish to native communities are likely to be through direct predation, competition and overcrowding. The high number of lionfish present in the ecosystem increases the potential for cascading impacts throughout the food chain. Within the southeast region the combined effects of climate change, overfishing and invasive species may have irreversible consequences to native communities in this region.
Extra link multistage interconnection network for packet switching

Summary form only given. The authors focus on the design of networks for packet switching communication. They propose a general design method for high-performance fault-tolerant networks in this environment. To improve the performance and fault tolerance of multistage interconnection networks (MINs), redundant routing paths, are provided in a network with the help of some additional links. The authors have simulated the proposed networks, along with several others, and present simulation results under various realistic environments to support their claim of high performance with or without the presence of faults. >
Laparoscopic splenectomy in a pregnant patient with immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

Summary We describe the perioperative management of a pregnant woman at 19 weeks' gestation with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura requiring laparoscopic splenectomy. The preoperative platelet count ranged between 1 and 5×10 9 /L and did not respond to conventional medical therapy. To reduce the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage, platelets were transfused before induction of anesthesia to maintain platelet count closer to 20×10 9 /L. The blood pressure was monitored continuously via an arterial line and remifentanil was infused to prevent a hypertensive response to induction/intubation, carbon dioxide insufflation, and surgery. After the splenic artery was clamped, additional platelet units were transfused to assure surgical hemostasis.
A constitutively activated form of the p110β isoform of PI3-kinase induces prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia in mice

Recent work has shown that ablation of p110β, but not p110α, markedly impairs tumorigenesis driven by loss of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in the mouse prostate. Other laboratories have reported complementary data in human prostate tumor lines, suggesting that p110β activation is necessary for tumorigenesis driven by PTEN loss. Given the multiple functions of PTEN, we wondered if p110β activation also is sufficient for tumorigenesis. Here, we report that transgenic expression of a constitutively activated p110β allele in the prostate drives prostate intraepithelial neoplasia formation. The resulting lesions are similar to, but are clearly distinct from, the ones arising from PTEN loss or Akt activation. Array analyses of transcription in multiple murine prostate tumor models featuring PI3K/AKT pathway activation allowed construction of a pathway signature that may be useful in predicting the prognosis of human prostate tumors.
The neural basis of the behaviorally relevant N1 component of the somatosensory-evoked potential in SI cortex of awake monkeys: evidence that backward cortical projections signal conscious touch sensation

Studies of touch intensity discrimination in monkeys have identified a component of the somatosensory-evoked cortical potential, N1, generated within 50 ms of the stimulus, that predicts their behavioral performance. This study employed multiple-electrode arrays with relatively high spatial resolution (0.1 or 0.2 mm spacing) to record laminar profiles of somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs), multiple unit activity (MUA) and current source-densities (CSDs) at several sites across the postcentral gyri of two awake monkeys. This high resolution laminar analysis strongly supports our earlier hypothesis based upon low resolution data that N1 is generated by synaptic excitation targeted specifically at the most superficial cortical layers I/II: (1) The excitatory nature of N1 was indicated by elevated MUA which was maximal in layer III and extended down to subcortical white matter where fiber activity exceeded prestimulus levels; (2) In addition to CSD analysis, the observation that N1 was maximally negative within 0.10 mm of the border between layers I and II verified the superficial site of N1 synaptic excitation regardless of conductivity boundaries near the pial surface. A review of the anatomical literature finds that the most likely inputs responsible for N1 activation are the “backward” cortico-cortical projections from secondary somatosensory areas to SI which in area 1 are the major source of sensory-related input that specifically terminates in layers I/II. We suggest, therefore, that backward projections are involved in the conscious process of touch sensation as it is signaled by N1.
Experimental and Theoretical Analysis of Photoinduced Electron Transfer: Including the Role of Liquid Structure

Experimental determinations of the dynamics of photoinduced electron transfer from rubrene to duroquinone in three solvents, dibutyl phthalate, diethyl sebacate, and cyclohexanone are presented. Measurements of the donor (rubrene) fluorescence decays were made with time-correlated single-photon counting. The data are analyzed using recent theoretical developments that include important features of the solvent, i.e., the effects of finite molecular volume on local solvent structure and on the mutual donor−acceptor diffusion rates. Inclusion of the liquid radial distribution function (rdf) in the theory accounts for the significant variation of the acceptor concentration near a donor. Because the concentration of acceptors near a donor is substantially greater than the average concentration used in a featureless continuum liquid model, incorporating the rdf is necessary to properly analyze experimental data. Hydrodynamic effects, which slow the rate of donor−acceptor approach at short distance, are importan...
Battered Women and Sleeping Abusers: Some Reflections

This Commentary focuses on one form of "non-confrontational homicide" - when a victim of abuse kills her abuser while he is asleep or otherwise in a passive condition. Should such a killing be treated as justifiable, excusable, or punishable? The thesis of this paper is that the proposition that such a homicide is morally justifiable and that the traditional law of self-defense should be expanded to incorporate such cases is wrong-headed. Moreover, defense use of battered woman syndrome evidence obscures the real basis of any self-defense claim and tends to pathologize, rather than justify, the battered woman. Instead of expanding self-defense law to justify such killings, and rather than return to the old strategy of fitting such killings under the excuse umbrella or insanity or diminished capacity, criminal defense lawyers and legislative reformers should seek to defend non-confrontational battered-woman homicides on the excuse basis of duress as defined by the Model Penal Code.
Anti-Dilution Provisions in Convertible Securities: A Guide Through the Maze

Companies that issue securities convertible into their common stock may take a number of actions that reduce, or "dilute," the value of the conversion right provided by these securities. To protect securityholders against such action, convertible securities contain extensive anti-dilution provisions. This paper examines these anti-dilution provisions, the rationale for the kind of protection they offer, and whether this protection is adequate. An analysis of 49 convertible bonds issued in 1993 indicates that although anti-dilution provisions offer protection against many such measures, they contain substantial gaps and thus afford the company the opportunity to shift wealth from convertible securityholders to shareholders. These gaps are particularly pronounced with respect to cash dividends, premium self-tender offers, cash mergers, and warrant distributions. The paper offers some suggestions on how anti-dilution provisions can be improved.
Geometric structure of TiO2(0 1 1)(2×1) surface by low energy electron diffraction (LEED)

A structural study has been performed on the TiO2TiO2(0 1 1)(2××1) surface by quantitative low energy electron diffraction (LEED), using a delay-line-detector (DLD–LEED) system. The atomic coordinates obtained are in good agreement with recent studies using surface X-ray diffraction (SXRD). The best-fit Pendry R factor is 0.29. This effectively rules out the other models previously proposed, which have significantly higher R factors. Despite the good agreement, however, a key feature of the bonding in this model, which has been suggested as the origin of the photo-catalytic activity of this surface, is not supported by the current analysis. Contrary to a previous study for the TiO2TiO2(1 1 0)(1××1) surface, it was also found that calculating the sample potentials self-consistently had little effect on the results.
Mitochondrial Respiratory Disorders: A Perspective on their Metabolite Biomarkers and Implications for Clinical Diagnosis and Therapeutic Intervention.

Abstract Mitochondrial respiratory disorders are incurable progressive degenerative diseases with multi-organ system manifestations. These orphan diseases are caused by mutations in the nuclear or mitochondrial genome affecting the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system responsible for ATP synthesis. Currently, therapeutic treatments are not available to patients, resulting in significant disability and a poor prognosis. Patients exhibit a constellation of complex neurological and multisystem phenotypic symptoms. The hallmark of these diseases is their clinical heterogeneity and high variability among patients. Consequently, establishing an accurate diagnosis remains a challenging, invasive, and time-consuming process due to the limited sensitivity, specificity and reliability of the current serum biomarkers used in clinical settings. Recent mouse model-based research combined with patient studies led to the identification of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) as a promising serum biomarker. With its high specificity and sensitivity, FGF-21 is a promising diagnostic tool for muscle-affecting mitochondrial respiratory disorders, which might be a useful first- line diagnostic tool instead of the invasive muscle biopsy currently performed in clinical settings. Discovering additional diagnostic biomarkers is critical for establishing an accurate diagnosis given the high clinical heterogeneity of these mitochondrial respiratory diseases. Ultimately, these novel biomarkers might be instrumental to monitor the progression of these diseases and the efficacy of novel therapeutic interventions.
2D-LC/MS Platform for Analysis of Natural Products

AIM:To develop a 2D-LC/MS platform for analysis of natural products . METHOD:The matrine alkaloids were as one of the examples. The alkaloids were isolated and eluted by a strong cation exchange system. By using post column mobile phase modification techniques, the eluted alkaloids were trapped on top of a small C18 enrichment column, then the enrichment column was switched to the analytical column system to separate the alkaloids by using RP-column and basic mobile phase. DAD and mass spectrometer were used as detectors. Gangliosides were extracted from pig brain and were separated on a NH2 column in the first step and analyzed by a RP chromatographic system. RESULT:Five alkaloids were detected from matrine alkaloids and five compounds such as GMl were detected from the gangliosides. CONCLUTION: A highly efficient, high speed and automatic system has been established, which can be used to separate and analyze the complicated natural products.
OPTIMIZATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF EMULSIFIERS USED IN INVERT OIL- EMULSION DRILLING FLUID WITH HIGH TEMPERATURE,HIGH DENSITY AND LOW TOXICITY

In order to penetrate the formation with high temperature and pressure successfully and protect the environment,it is necessary to study an invert oil-emulsion drilling fluid which can withstand high temperature and has high density and low toxicity. Optimum seeking and development of emulsifiers are very important in stabilizing the drilling fluids and enhancing its property of resisting elevated temperature. In this paper,the emulsification was tested by electrical stability and centrifugal method. Aging or measuring its electrical stability in high temperature and pressure evaluated the temperature stability. It was determined that the emulsifiers are composed of organic acids,amides and alkyl benzene sulfonates(ABS). Results show that the emulsion and high-density emulsion drilling fluid have good stability in elevated temperature.
A new species of Vaejovis (Scorpiones: Vaejovidae) from Coahuila and Nuevo León, and a key to the vaejovid species from northeastern and north-central México

Vaejovis glabrimanus sp. nov. , a member of the Vaejovis eusthenura group, is described from the southern parts of the states of Coahuila and Nuevo Leon in Mexico. Comparisons are provided to distinguish the species from related and similar forms in the region, including V. coahuilae , V. globosus , and V. russelli . In addition, a key to the vaejovid scorpion fauna of northeastern and north-central Mexico (i.e., eastern Chihuahua, northeastern Durango, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas) is provided.
Magnetic resonance imaging of pancreaticobiliary diseases in children: from technique to practice

Magnetic resonance imaging is useful for evaluating pancreaticobiliary diseases in children after initial sonography, obviating the use of ionizing radiation or invasive procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or transhepatic biliary procedures. Advanced MRI applications have improved depiction of pediatric pancreaticobiliary anatomy and have greatly impacted management of biliary and pancreatic diseases in children. In this article, we review current MRI and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) techniques and discuss their role in the assessment of common pancreatic and biliary disorders in children.
Operating Room Fires and Surgical Skin Preparation

Background Operating room fires are "never events" that remain an under-reported source of devastating complications. One common set-up that promotes fires is the use of surgical skin preparations combined with electrosurgery and oxygen. Limited data exist examining the incidence of fires and surgical skin preparations. Study Design A standardized, ex vivo model was created with a 15 × 15 cm section of clipped porcine skin. An electrosurgical "Bovie" pencil was activated for 2 seconds on 30 Watts coagulation mode in 21% oxygen (room air), both immediately and 3 minutes after skin preparation application. Skin preparations with and without alcohol were tested, and were applied with and without pooling. Alcohol-based skin preparations included 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate, 74% IPA with 0.7% iodine povacrylex, and plain 70% IPA. Results No fires occurred with nonalcohol-based preparations (p Conclusions Alcohol-based skin preparations fuel operating room fires in common clinical scenarios. Following manufacturer guidelines and allowing 3 minutes for drying, surgical fires were still created in 1 in 10 cases without pooling and more than one-quarter of cases with pooling. Surgeons can decrease the risk of an operating room fire by using nonalcohol-based skin preparations or avoiding pooling of the preparation solution.
Custom Contrast Testing: Current Trends and a New Approach

ABSTRACT Contrast analysis has become prevalent in experimental accounting research since Buckless and Ravenscroft (1990) introduced it to the accounting literature over 25 years ago. Since its initial introduction, the scope of contrast testing has expanded, yet guidance as to the most appropriate methods of specifying, conducting, interpreting, and exhibiting these tests has not. We survey the use of contrast analysis in the recent literature and propose a three-part testing approach that provides a more comprehensive picture of contrast results. Our approach considers three pieces of complementary evidence: the visual evaluation of fit, traditional significance testing, and quantitative evaluation of the contrast variance residual. Our measure of the contrast variance residual, q2, is proposed for the first time in this work. After proposing our approach, we walk through six common contrast testing scenarios where current practices may fall short and our approach may guide researchers. We extend Buckle...
Enactive–performative perspectives on cognition and the arts

The practices of the arts—plastic and performing—deal in direct sensorial engagement with the body, with materiality, with artifacts and tools, with spaces, and with other people. The arts are centrally concerned with intelligent doing. Conventional explanations of the cognitive dimensions of arts practices have been unsatisfying because internalist paradigms provides few useful tools to discuss embodied dimensions of cognition.
Quantum frequency conversion using nanophotonics

We demonstrate quantum frequency conversion of photon pairs, with both pair generation and frequency conversion implemented in Si3N microrings. Quantum correlations between the signal and idler are preserved, with an on-chip conversion efficiency around 25%.
Evaluation of Hemodynamics and Oxygen Delivery

Use of the balloon-tipped, flow-directed thermodilution pulmonary-artery catheter (“Swan-Ganz catheter”) has been a mainstay of invasive monitoring of critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs) since the 1970s. Although its introduction has been widely attributed to Swan et al. in 1970 (1), Bradley first described the use of pulmonary artery catheters in 1964 (2) and with Branthwaite (3) introduced the thermodilution technique of measuring cardiac output shortly thereafter. The addition of an inflatable balloon was based on the earlier work of Lategola Rahn(4), and all of these advances were incorporated into the device eventually popularized by Swan et al.
Rawls's Egalitarianism

This is a new interpretation and analysis of John Rawls's leading theory of distributive justice, which also considers the responding egalitarian theories of scholars such as Richard Arneson, G. A. Cohen, Ronald Dworkin, Martha Nussbaum, John Roemer, and Amartya Sen. Rawls's theory, Kaufman argues, sets out a normative ideal of justice that incorporates an account of the structure and character of relations that are appropriate for members of society viewed as free and equal moral beings. Forging an approach distinct amongst contemporary theories of equality, Rawls offers an alternative to egalitarian justice methodologies that aim primarily to compensate victims for undeserved bad luck. For Rawls, the values that ground the most plausible account of egalitarianism are real equality of economic opportunity combined with the guarantee of a fair distribution of social goods. Kaufman's analysis will be of interest to scholars and advanced students of political theory and political philosophy, particularly those working on justice, and on the work of John Rawls.
Ruptured Abdominal Aneurysm

The diagnosis of a leaking abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is usually not difficult to make. Typically the patient presents with a sudden onset of acute lumbar backache, abdominal pain and collapse associated with hypotension. On examination the presence of a pulsatile abdominal mass confirms the diagnosis. In this situation the patient proceeds directly to the operating room with a delay only to allow cross-matched blood to become available if the patient is stable.
Modeling Annual Supreme Court Influence: The Role of Citation Practices and Judicial Tenure in Determining Precedent Network Growth

Using networks generated from the entire set of United States Supreme Court decision citations, this paper models yearly court influence as a function of system stability, complexity, precedent age and judicial tenure. The model demonstrates that decisions written in years when the mean judicial age is low and judges are more stable in their use of precedent, more conservative in terms of the age of precedent cited, and the yearly citation network is less complex are more likely to be cited in future years. By incorporating system endogenous variables in modeling efforts, this paper contributes to the development of complex legal systems studies, and proposes new ways to develop the field.
Role of copper in iron localization in developing erythrocytes.

The localization of iron in developing erythrocytes of normal and copper-deficient rats was studied by electron microscopy. Lead treatment, by interfering with heme synthesis, resulted in accumulation of iron in mitochondria and vesicles of the developing erythrocyte in normal animals. In similarly treated copper-deficient rats, iron did not accumulate in the mitochondria although it was concentrated in vesicles. The copper-deficient animal, therefore, seems to have an impaired uptake of iron by the mitochondria where it combines with protoporphyrin to form heme, in addition to the previously recognized defect in the release of iron into the circulation from the intestinal mucosa, reticulo-endothelial system and hepatocyte.
An evaluation of the sandwich beam compression test method for composites

The sandwich beam in a four-point bending compressive test method for advanced composites is evaluated. Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio were obtained for graphite/polyimide beam specimens tested at 117 K, room temperature, and 589 K. Tensile elastic properties obtained from the specimens were assumed to be equal to the compressive elastic properties and were used in the analysis. Strain gages were used to record strain data. A three-dimensional finite-element model was used to examine the effects of the honeycomb core on measured composite mechanical properties. Results of the analysis led to the following conclusions: (1) a near uniaxial compressive stress state existed in the top cover and essentially all the compressive load was carried by the top cover; (2) laminate orientation, test temperature, and type of honeycomb core material were shown to affect the type of beam failure; and (3) the test method can be used to obtain compressive elastic constants over the temperature range 117 to 589 K.
Electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness and Corrosion Prevention

The new generation of civil aircraft depends heavily on electronic systems to implement safety-critical functions. Because these aircraft may be exposed to high intensity radiated fields (HIRF) created by radio frequency (RF) emitters based on the ground, in the air, and at sea, civil aviation authorities have become increasingly concerned about the potential for electromagnetic interference (EMI) to these critical electronic systems. With the increasing density of the electromagnetic environment, civilian aircraft authorities and standards committees have developed HIRF requirements that are being applied to civil aircraft certification programs.
Mapping the Genes for IgE Production and Allergy

Human beings are complex organisms living in a complex environment. Not surprisingly, common human diseases like atopic allergy, and especially asthma, are complex. First, allergy is multifactorial, that is to say, the expression of the disease is influenced by interactions between multiple major and minor genes as well as by non-genetic factors such as the degree of allergen exposure. Second, like many other complex human diseases, allergy is likely to be genetically heterogeneous (many distinct genes, or groups of genes, lead to similar clinical phenotypes). Two levels of genetic heterogeneity should be considered: (i) the different categories of allergic disease (asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema, etc.) may be associated with different groups of genes, and (ii) for each characteristic disease sub-phenotype (such as asthma) several distinct groups of major genes may be involved in the expression of the particular condition. Thus, the picture of allergic disease that is emerging is one comprised of overlapping constellations of genes that interact in an indefinitely large number of ways with a wide variety of environmental factors. Such interactions often lead to the expression of allergic rhinitis and, less commonly, to asthma.
Development and characterization of liquid argon and methane microjets for high-rep-rate laser-plasma experiments

A cryogenic microjet system has been used for delivering micron-scale continuous liquid hydrogen targets for laser-plasma experiments. This technique has been extended to higher-Z, higher boiling-point gases, including argon and methane. High-resolution shadowgraphy has been used to characterize the jet's morphology and pointing stability. A split and delay illumination source has also been developed for direct measurement of jet speeds without relying on assumptions of fluid flow conditions. Under typical conditions, the argon jets freeze solid due to evaporative cooling, but the methane jets remain liquid and break up to a droplet stream. A piezo driver is used to ensure the droplets are of uniform size. This jet has enabled the investigation of methane in planetary core conditions with high-rep-rate laser heating and x-ray laser probing.
A 3D convolutional neural network method for land cover classification using LiDAR and multi-temporal Landsat imagery

Abstract Terrestrial landscape has complex three-dimensional (3D) features that are difficult to extract using traditional methods based on 2D representations. These methods often relegate such features to raster or metric-based (two-dimensional) representations based on Digital Surface Models (DSM) or Digital Elevation Models (DEM), and thus are not suitable for resolving morphological and intensity features for fine-scale land cover mapping. Small-footprint LiDAR provides an ideal way for capturing these 3D features. This research develops a novel method of integrating airborne LiDAR derived features and multi-temporal Landsat images to classify land cover types. We tested our approach in Williamson County, Illinois, which has diverse and mixed landscape features. Specifically, our method applied a 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) approach to extract features from LiDAR point clouds by (1) creating an occupancy grid, an intensity grid at 1-meter resolution, and then (2) normalizing and incorporating data into the 3D CNN. The extracted features (e.g., morphological and intensity features) from the 3D CNN were finally combined with multi-temporal spectral data to enhance the performance of land cover classification based on a Support Vector Machine classifier. Visual interpretation from both hyper-resolution photos and point clouds was used for training and preparation of testing data. The classification results show that our method outperforms a traditional method by 2.65% (from 81.52% to 84.17%) when solely using LiDAR and 2.19% (from 90.20% to 92.57%) when combining all available imageries. We demonstrate that our method can effectively extract LiDAR features and improve fine-scale land cover mapping through fusion of complementary types of remote sensing data.