cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photocatalytic production of hydrogen from electrodeposited p-Cu2O film and sacrificial electron donors

Abstract A new approach to combining a p-type semiconductor photocathode with sacrificial electron donors in the anode compartment in a two-compartment cell is described for photocatalytic hydrogen production. This approach is demonstrated for electrodeposited p - Cu 2 O film supported on a transparent conducting oxide substrate. The oxide semiconductor surface was photochemically modified in situ with an ultra-thin Ni layer prior to use. A variety of organic and organometallic electron donors was screened by cyclic voltammetry, and the optimal candidate was hydroquinone at pH 10. Importantly, no photocurrents were measured at zero bias voltage in the two-compartment cell in the absence of an electron donor, signaling that water photosplitting is not feasible with p - Cu 2 O . Methyl viologen ( MV 2 + ) was effective as an electron relay in the photocathode chamber as shown by in situ spectroscopic monitoring of the MV + radical cations. Finally, practical perspectives of this new approach and value-added options for combining it with pollutant destruction are described.
Active Representations in Crystals of Cubic Symmetry

The reality, Landau, and Lifshitz conditions are reviewed within the formalism of the Landau theory of continuous phase transitions in crystals. It is shown that an incorrect use of these conditions in the literature has led to an omission of the W- and P-point representations in the Oh crystal class. A detailed example for the W-point is considered and the correct results obtained. The correct listing is given of the reality, Landau, and Lifshitz conditions for the entire cubic system (i.e., the classes T, Th, O, Td, and Oh). Nous passons en revue les conditions de realite, de Landau, et de Lifshitz sur la base de la theorie de transitions eristallines du second ordre selon Landau. Nous montrons que ces conditions ont ete employees incorrectement dans la litterature et que ces erreurs ont menees a l'omission des representations des points W et P dans la classe cristallographique Oh. Nous detaillons un exemple pour le point W, obtenant les bons resultats. Nous presentons la bonne liste des trois conditions, de realite, de Landau, et de Lifshitz pour la systeme cubique toute entiere (i.e. les classes T, Th, O, Td et Oh).
A Transcription-Independent Role for TFIIB in Gene Looping

Recent studies demonstrated the existence of gene loops that juxtapose the promoter and terminator regions of genes with exceptionally long ORFs in yeast. Here we report that looping is not idiosyncratic to long genes but occurs between the distal ends of genes with ORFs as short as 1 kb. Moreover, looping is dependent upon the general transcription factor TFIIB: the E62K (glutamic acid 62 --> lysine) form of TFIIB adversely affects looping at every gene tested, including BLM10, SAC3, GAL10, SEN1, and HEM3. TFIIB crosslinks to both the promoter and terminator regions of the PMA1 and BLM10 genes, and its association with the terminator, but not the promoter, is adversely affected by E62K and by depletion of the Ssu72 component of the CPF 3' end processing complex, and is independent of TBP. We propose a model suggesting that TFIIB binds RNAP II at the terminator, which in turn associates with the promoter scaffold.
Functional outcomes following ankle arthrodesis in males with haemophilia: analyses using the CDC’s Universal Data Collection surveillance project

Summary In persons with haemophilia (PWH), repeated ankle haemarthroses lead to pain, loss of joint range of motion (ROM), and limitations in activity and participation in society. PWH are offered ankle arthrodesis (AA) to eliminate pain. In our experience, PWH are hesitant to proceed to AA due to concerns regarding gait anomalies, functional decline and complete loss of ROM. The aim of this study was to report outcomes in ROM, assistive device (AD)/wheelchair use, activity scale and work/school absenteeism for participants in the CDC's Universal Data Collection surveillance project (UDC) pre- and post- AA. Males with haemophilia enrolled in the UDC with first report of AA (1998–2010) were selected. Descriptive statistics were calculated using data from the annual study visit pre-AA and the follow-up visit (~12–24 months) post-AA. The 68 subjects who fulfilled the criteria were: mean age 36.9 years (SD = 12.9); 85.3% white; 85.3% haemophilia A; 72% severe, 20.6% moderate; and 10.3% with inhibitor once during the study period. Mean loss in total arc of ankle motion was 17.02° (SD = 21.8, P ≤ 0.01) pre- compared to post-AA. For 61.8%, there was no change in use of AD for ambulation/mobility. For 85.3%, there was no change in use of a wheelchair. On a self-reported activity scale, 11.8% improved, 8.8% worsened and 79.4% did not change. Work/school absenteeism averaged 2.7 (SD = 6.4) pre- and 1.5 (SD = 6.4, P = 0.26) days per year post-AA. While ankle ROM was significantly reduced post-AA, for most subjects, there was no change in use of AD/wheelchair for ambulation/mobility. Physical activity was maintained and work/school absenteeism remained stable.
The effects of bifrontal stroke during childhood on visual attention: Evidence from children with sickle cell anemia

Recent studies indicate that the neural systems underlying the development of visual attention may differ from the systems subserving attention in adulthood. Our study examined the effects of early brain injury on attentional operations. A covert orienting task (Posner, Cohen, & Rafal, 1982) was administered to 29 children with sickle cell anemia (SCA), 17 of whom had experienced stroke (6 bifrontal and 11 diffuse), and 20 siblings without SCA. Children with bifrontal injury showed lateralized impairment in early‐stage attentional processing, consisting of faster reaction times to targets in the left visual field that were preceded by invalid cues. These results were similar to findings in a previous study of children with bifrontal perinatal injury (Craft, White, & Park, 1994). In contrast, children with diffuse lesions showed exaggerated increases in reaction time for invalidly cued targets in both visual fields. The performance of SCA children without strokes was similar to that of sibling control subj...
Planning for precision in survival studies

If the purpose of a clinical study is not only to test the null hypothesis but also to estimate the magnitude of the treatment effect, the study design should ensure not only that the study will have adequate power but also that it will enable the researcher to report the relevant parameters with an appropriate level of precision. This paper discusses the factors that control precision in survival studies and shows how a computer program may be used to address these issues. The program allows the user to systematically modify assumptions about the population (e.g. the magnitude of the hazard ratio or the attrition rate) and elements of the study design (e.g. sample size and trial duration), quickly identify the impact of these factors on the study's precision, and modify the study design accordingly. The program may also be used to compute power for a planned study, and confidence intervals for a completed study.
Acculturative Stress among Documented and Undocumented Latino Immigrants in the United States.

The purpose of the study was to examine differences between documented and undocumented Latino immigrants in the prevalence of three immigration-related challenges (separation from family, traditionality, and language difficulties), which were made more severe after the passage of restrictive immigration legislation in 1996. Specifically, the study sought to determine the combined and unique associations of legal status, the three immigration-related challenges listed above, and fear of deportation to acculturative stress related to family and other social contexts. Participants in the study consisted of 416 documented and undocumented Mexican and Central American immigrants living in two major cities in Texas. The Hispanic Stress Inventory-Immigrant form was used to assess acculturative stress in the sample. Results indicated that although undocumented immigrants reported higher levels of the immigration challenges of separation from family, traditionality, and language difficulties than documented immigrants, both groups reported similar levels of fear of deportation. Results also indicated that the immigration challenges and undocumented status were uniquely associated with extrafamilial acculturative stress but not with intrafamilial acculturative stress. Only fear of deportation emerged as a unique predictor of both extrafamililal and intrafamilial acculturative stress.
Priming threshold: a novel quantitative measure of the reinstatement of cocaine self-administration.

The intravenous injection of cocaine has been reported to reliably reinstate (prime) the self-administration of cocaine in animals. We report herein that there is a cocaine priming threshold in rats trained to self-administer cocaine. The cocaine priming threshold is defined as the minimum level of cocaine in the body that will reinstate maintained cocaine self-administration. The mean cocaine priming threshold in rats was calculated to be approximately 186 to 212 μg kg−1. Therefore, any injection, series of injections or continuous infusion that result in a level of cocaine equivalent to that produced by a single intravenous injection of this range of doses, will reinstate cocaine self-administration. The priming threshold was significantly increased by the D1 dopamine receptor antagonist SCH23390 (10 μg kg−1, i.v.), indicating a role for dopaminergic neurotransmission. The priming threshold, but not the inter-injection interval of maintained self-administration, was increased following withdrawal from a 7-day infusion of d-amphetamine. In addition, there was no correlation between the cocaine priming threshold and the inter-injection intervals of maintained cocaine self-administration. Therefore, the mechanisms underlying the reinstatement of cocaine self-administration are distinct from the mechanisms underlying the maintenance of cocaine self-administration and they are differentially regulated. It is possible that the priming threshold may represent a distinct target for medications development.
An electrophysiological and morphological study of the neuromuscular junction in patients with myasthenia gravis.

Abstract Three types of neuromuscular junction were found in the surface fibers of internal and external intercostal muscles from patients with myasthenia gravis. One group (about 25% of the fibers) responded to nerve stimulation with an endplate potential (EPP) large enough to trigger an action potential and was associated with relatively mild morphological alterations in the postjunctional membrane. A second group had EPPs of markedly reduced amplitude and was associated with grossly altered postjunctional membrane structure and slight to moderate nerve degeneration. The spontaneous miniature endplate potentials (MEPPs) found in this group were markedly reduced in amplitude and frequency. In the third group of surface fibers neither EPPs nor spontaneous MEPPs were recorded at the endplate region. These endplates exhibited gross alteration of the cleft and folds and their nerves were absent or degenerating. Microiontophoretic application of acetylcholine (ACh) at the endplate region of all three groups of surface fibers disclosed low values of ACh sensitivity at the endplate region. No increase in extrajunctional sensitivity to ACh was detected in the myasthenic muscles. There was no significant difference in membrane potential between normal and myasthenic muscles. Electron microscopic analysis of fibers from each group revealed a continuum of alterations in the synaptic folds and the sequential destruction of nerve terminals. The appearance of “fuzzycoated” vesicular remnants of degenerating folds and the invasion of the endplate region by a variety of leucocytes suggest the occurrence of an immune response. Thus, in myasthenia gravis, alterations of the synaptic folds are associated with a decrease in ACh receptor density, thereby accounting for the marked reduction in the membrane response to endogenous or microiontophoretically-applied ACh at the endplate region.
A Role for a Galactose Lectin and Its Ligands During Encystment of Entamoeba1

In the life cycle of Entamoeba parasites alternate between the colon-dwelling trophozoite and the infectious cyst forms. The physiologic stimuli that trigger differentiation of trophozoites into cysts remain undefined. On the surface of the human-infecting Entamoeba, parasites express a galactose/N-acetylgalactosamine (gal/galNAc)-binding lectin, which plays demonstrated roles in contact-dependent lysis of target cells and resistance to host complement. Using a reptilian parasite, Entamoeba invadens, to study cyst formation in vitro, we found that efficient encystation was dependent on the presence of gal-terminated ligands in the induction medium. Precise concentration ranges of several gal-terminated ligands, such as asialofetuin, gal-bovine serum albumin (gal-BSA), and mucin, functioned in encystation medium to stimulate differentiation. Greater than 10 mM levels of free gal inhibited the amoeba aggregation that precedes encystation and prevented formation of mature cysts. Inhibitory levels of gal also prevented the up-regulation of genes which normally occurs at 24 h of encystation. The surface of Entamoeba invadens was found to express a gal lectin which has a heterodimeric structure similar to that of Entamoeba histolytica. The 30 kDa light subunit (LGL) of the E. invadens lectin is similar in overall size and sequence to the LGL of E. histolytica. The heavy subunits, however, differ in size, have an identical spacing of cysteines in their extracellular domains, and have highly conserved C-terminal transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. These results suggest a new role for the Entamoeba gal lectins in monitoring the concentrations of gal ligands in the colon and contributing to stimuli that induce encystment.
Functional expression of M1, M3 and M5 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in yeast

The goal of this study was to functionally express the three G(q)-coupled muscarinic receptor subtypes, M(1), M(3) and M(5), in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Transformation of yeast with expression constructs coding for the full-length receptors resulted in very low numbers of detectable muscarinic binding sites (B(max) < 5 fmol/mg). Strikingly, deletion of the central portion of the third intracellular loops of the M(1), M(3) and M(5) muscarinic receptors resulted in dramatic increases in B(max) values (53-214 fmol/mg). To monitor productive receptor/G-protein coupling, we used specifically engineered yeast strains that required agonist-stimulated receptor/G-protein coupling for cell growth. These studies showed that the shortened versions of the M(1), M(3) and M(5) receptors were unable to productively interact with the endogenous yeast G protein alpha-subunit, Gpa1p, or a Gpa1 mutant subunit that contained C-terminal mammalian Galpha(s) sequence. In contrast, all three receptors gained the ability to efficiently couple to a Gpa1/Galpha(q) hybrid subunit containing C-terminal mammalian Galpha(q) sequence, indicating that the M(1), M(3) and M(5) muscarinic receptors retained proper G-protein coupling selectivity in yeast. This is the first study to report the expression of muscarinic receptors in a coupling-competent form in yeast. The strategy described here, which involves structural modification of both receptors and co-expressed G proteins, should facilitate the functional expression of other classes of G protein-coupled receptors in yeast.
Incompetent Jail and Prison Doctors

Previous research has questioned the clinical qualifications and professional competence of physicians who work in correctional facilities. This article further explores these issues by analyzing s...
Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration With Citrate-Based Replacement Fluid: Efficacy, Safety, and Impact on Nutrition

Background: Citrate-based continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) replacement fluids provide effective and simple regional anticoagulation. However, concern over toxicity has limited citrate use, especially at the high filtration rates advocated for better outcomes. We used volumes of 72 L/d in patients at high risk for bleeding and investigated the treatment's efficacy, safety, and clinical results, especially with regard to nutrition supplementation. Methods: A standard replacement solution (trisodium citrate, 13.3 mmol/L) was infused at up to 3 L/h in predilution CVVH, and ultrafiltration was increased further for net fluid removal. Calcium was repleted centrally. We retrospectively evaluated metabolic control, citrate toxicity, circuit patency, hemorrhagic complications, hemodynamics, vasopressor use, nutrition, renal recovery, and mortality. Results: Seventy-six patients with 766 CVVH patient-days were analyzed. Mean replacement fluid rate was 31 mL/kg/h (35 mmol/h of citrate), with hemofiltration of 35 mL/kg/h (67 ± 11 L/d). No significant bleeding, citrate toxicity, or hypocalcemia was observed, and 74% required additional alkali therapy. Dialyzer patency was 58% at 48 hours. Control of fluid, electrolytes, and azotemia was excellent (serum creatinine level, 1.7 mg/dL [150 μmol/L]; blood urea nitrogen, 42 mg/dL [15 mmol/L]). Fluid removal permitted protein (1.7 g/kg/d) and calorie (30 kcal/kg/d) nutrition in high fluid volumes. Vasopressor use and central pressures decreased significantly. Cumulative 28-day intensive care unit survival was 58%, and 41% of these patients had renal recovery in the intensive care unit. Thirty percent of the entire cohort survived the hospitalization, and 53% of these patients recovered renal function. Conclusion: CVVH with 3 L/h of citrate-based replacement fluid is a safe, efficient, and simple technique in patients at high risk for bleeding. It allows superb control of uremia and fluid balance and thereby permits aggressive nutritional support.
Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Ultra-Low Dose Cancer Studies

Cancer risk assessment utilizing rodents requires extrapolation across five orders of magnitude to estimate the Virtually Safe Dose (VSD). Regulatory agencies rely upon the Linear Extrapolated Dose (LED) except when sufficient information on mechanism of action justifies alternative models. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) has been utilized at Oregon State University as a model for human cancer for forty years. Low cost and high capacity, made possible by our unique facility, along with low spontaneous background and high sensitivity, allow design and conduct of statistically challenging studies not possible in rodents. Utilization of custom microarrays demonstrates similarities in gene expression in trout and human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We have completed one study employing over 42,000 trout with dibenzo[a,l]pyrene (DBP) and determined the dose resulting in 1 additional cancer in 5000 animals, a 50-fold enhancement over the mouse ED(01) study. Liver tumor incidence at low dose deviated significantly from linearity (concave down), whereas, DBP-DNA adductions deviated slightly (convex up). A second study is underway with aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)). Results to date indicate AFB(1) at low dose, in contrast to DBP, elicits a linear dose-response function on the log-log scale which falls below the LED with a slope slightly greater than 1.0. Such studies demonstrate the statistical power of the trout cancer model and strengthen the case for incorporation of these data-sets into risk assessment for these environmental human carcinogens.
Convergent validity of personal space measures: Consistent results with low intercorrelations

Low correlations among personal space measures have been used as evidence against their convergent validity. This argument is analyzed and found limited to personality trait assumptions. Convergent validity more generally concerns whether findings from one measure generalize to other measures. In the present study 91 subjects completed three measures (a disguised interaction distance, figure placement distances, and the Comfortable Interpersonal Distance Scale) under different conditions of subject sex, sex of the other person, and acquaintance with the other person. The three measures showed an average intercorrelation ofr = .034, but consistent significant effects of acquaintance. These findings demonstrate that convergence of findings may be obtained even when measures are not highly correlated. The search for convergent validity should concentrate on the generalizability of findings rather than correlations among measures.
Nitrogen oxide-initiated cholesterol oxidation and carotenoid degradation in an egg lipid model system

The influence of nitrogen oxide (NO x ) concentrations on the oxidation of cholesterol and carotenoids in an egg lipid model system was investigated. The effects of dietary α-tocopherol supplementation on cholesterol and carotenoid stability in egg lipids were also evaluated. The rate constants for cholesterol oxidation and carotenoid degradation in egg lipids during storage at 40°C were affected by both the egg treatments and the level of exposure to NO x before storage. The presence of NO greatly promoted the oxidation of cholesterol and carotenoids. Dietary supplementation with α-tocopherol greatly improved the stability of carotenoids and cholesterol in egg lipids exposed to NO x . The addition of carotenoids to egg lipids also protected cholesterol from NO x -initiated oxidation. The patterns of cholesterol oxidation and carotenoid loss in this lipid model system were similar to those in egg powders processed by the direct gas-fired spray-dryer.
A pump-less discrete opto-fluidic chemical spectrophotometry system (DOCSS) for online in situ monitoring of dissolved contaminants in aqueous media

This paper presents the fabrication of a discrete chemical analyzer system for online monitoring of dissolved ions in water using UV-VIS absorption spectrophotometry. The device is composed of three main components: fluidic, optical, and control. The test cell was designed to also function as a non-invasive volume sensor, and the volume sensing principle was based on light scattering by entrapped water droplets. This design eliminates the need for expensive high-precision syringe pumps for sample introduction into the test cell. The discrete opto-fluidic chemical spectrophotometry system device can be interrogated remotely over the internet, and the performance was evaluated using the spectrophotometric analysis of chromium (VI) with di-phenylcarbazide as model chemistry. The results showed very good stability in the optical absorbance measurements, a method detection limit of 6.38 ppb, and good precision of 3.04% RSD (relative standard deviation) at 50 ppb chromium (VI). Also a linear calibration range of 25 to 1,250 ppb was obtained, and the response was reversible.
Cost-effectiveness of infective endocarditis prophylaxis for mitral valve prolapse with or without a mitral regurgitant murmur☆

To assess the cost-effectiveness of prevention of infective endocarditis (IE) and to calculate cost-effectiveness of currently recommended regimens in patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP), data on risk of death, complications, and health-care use, and cumulative incremental health-care costs due to the occurrence of IE were combined with data on the prevalence and manifestations of MVP, estimated years of life lost, and efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis. Effectiveness and costs of standard endocarditis prophylaxis regimens were calculated per IE case prevented and years of life saved. Under the most likely scenario, oral amoxicillin prophylaxis for all MVP patients would prevent 32 cases of IE per million dental procedures at approximate costs of $119,000 per prevented case and $21,000 per year of life saved. Limiting prophylaxis to patients with mitral murmurs would prevent 80 cases of IE per million procedures at costs of about $19,000 per prevented case and $3,000 per year of life saved. Erythromycin prophylaxis was slightly less expensive than amoxicillin per benefit because of lower cost and lack of drug anaphylaxis, whereas intravenous ampicillin was 7 to 30 times more costly. Sensitivity analyses suggested that erythromycin prophylaxis might be cost-saving under some scenarios, whereas intravenous ampicillin use might cause net loss of life. Thus, prevention with oral antibiotics of the cumulative morbidity and incremental health care costs due to IE in MVP patients is reasonably cost-effective for MVP patients with mitral murmurs.
Oral manifestations of congenital heart disease.

Summary 1. A description and discussion is given of the observations made on the teeth and surrounding structures as seen in the following conditions: tetralogy of Fallot, coarctation of the aorta, dextrocardia, transposition of the great vessels, patent ductus arteriosus, septal defects, persistent ostium primum, and tetralogy of Eisenmenger. 2. The most striking changes are observed in the papillae of the tongue, the mucous membranes, and gingivae in the tetralogy of Fallot. Similar but less marked changes in these structures are seen in the tetralogy of Eisenmenger, and in transposition of the great vessels. In coarctation of the aorta the pulp canals in the maxillary incisors are found to be markedly enlarged and funnel-shaped. 3. No observable oral manifestations were noted in dextrocardia, patentductus arteriosus, and septal defects.
Is there stereoselectivity in spin trapping superoxide by 5-tert-butoxycarbonyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide?

Ester-containing nitrones, including 5-tert-butoxycarbonyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide 5, have been reported to be robust spin traps for superoxide (O2•-). Using a chiral column, we have been able...
Students' conceptions of chemical change

One hundred high school chemistry students who had completed a unit on chemical change were given a written instrument in which they were shown three oxidation-reduction reactions and were asked to explain them. Eleven students representing a range of achievement levels were chosen for more intensive clinical interviews in which they explained their responses, evaluated the quality of their responses, and compared them to other hypothetical responses. Interview results revealed that students commonly experienced difficulties at three different epistemological levels: 1. Chemical knowledge. Most students failed to invoke atoms and molecules as explanatory constructs, even though they had been emphasized in their chemistry course. Some students also listed “substances” such as heat, cold, or decay as reactants or products. 2. Conservation reasoning. Many students could not predict or explain mass changes in the chemical reactions. Their most common problems included (a) a tendency to treat chemical changes such as rusting as physical changes in form or state, and (b) failure to understand the role of invisible (in this case gaseous) reactants or products in the reactions. 3. Explanatory ideals. Many students demonstrated a preference for explanations based on superficial analogies with everyday events (e.g., rusting is like decay) over explanations based on chemical theories. Only one of the 11 students interviewed demonstrated mastery of the unit's contents at all three levels. Results of this and other research indicate a need for substantial revision in chemistry teaching practice.
Identification of a Novel Ankyrin Isoform (AnkG190) in Kidney and Lung that Associates with the Plasma Membrane and Binds Na,K-ATPase • 1844

Identification of a Novel Ankyrin Isoform (AnkG190) in Kidney and Lung that Associates with the Plasma Membrane and Binds Na,K-ATPase • 1844
National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Analysis of Bariatric Operations: Modifiable Risk Factors Contribute to Bariatric Surgical Adverse Outcomes

Background The increase in obesity coupled with greater acceptance of the field of bariatric surgery has resulted in a substantial rise in the number of weight-loss operations. Because obese individuals are at high risk for surgical complications, concern about the safety of bariatric procedures exists. Earlier investigations of the clinical features associated with surgical complications have produced conflicting results. We sought to identify risk factors for surgical complications in a large, nationally representative population of US veterans. Study design We analyzed data on bariatric procedures performed at 12 Veterans' Affairs medical centers approved to perform weight-loss operations between 1998 and 2004. Detailed pre-, intra-, and postoperative information and longterm mortality data were prospectively collected using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program methodology. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify clinical features associated with postoperative complications. Results Among 575 bariatric patients assessed between 1998 and 2004, 74% were men with a mean age of 51 years. Thirty-day mortality was 1.4%. Overall complication rate was 19.7%. Of those with complications, one-half were of considerable clinical importance, as they were associated with prolonged length of stay. Clinical features that were predictive of adverse events in our multivariable analyses were superobesity, weight > 350 pounds, and smoking. A more than 20 pack-year history of smoking was also associated with difficulty in weaning from a ventilator postoperatively. Conclusions We identified smoking and superobesity as preoperative risk factors associated with postoperative complications. Future studies should examine the effect of preoperative weight loss and smoking cessation on bariatric procedure outcomes.
A graphics editor for labanotation

There is a need for a simple mechanized way to design, update and produce final copies of scores of Labanotation, a symbolic, graphical language for the recording of body movement used by choreographers, anthropologists, psychologists and therapists. This paper discusses the design and implementation of a machine-independent data structure for Labanotation and its application in an interactive storage, retrieval and editing system.
Cladistics and the comparative morphology of linyphiid spiders and their relatives (Araneae, Araneoidea, Linyphiidae)

This paper provides the first quantitative cladistic analysis of linyphiid morphology. Classical and novel homology hypotheses for a variety of character systems (male and female genitalia, somatic morphology, spinneret silk spigot morphology, etc.) are critically examined and studied within a phylogenetic context. Critical characters have been illustrated. A sample of linyphiid taxa (nine genera in four subfamilies), five species of Pimoa (Pimoidae), and two other araneoid families (Tetragnathidae and Araneidae, represented by Tetragnatha and Zygiella, respectively) were used to study the implications of the phylogeny of Pimoidae for the systematics of linyphiids. The phylogenetic relationships of these 16 exemplar taxa, as coded for the 47 characters studied, were analysed using numerical cladistic methods. In the preferred cladogram Pimoidae and Linyphiidae are sister groups, Stemonyphantinae are sister group to the remaining linyphiids, and Mynogleninae are sister group to the clade composed of Erigoninae plus Linyphiinae. These results agree with the relationships recently proposed by Wunderlich, except by finding erigonines as the sister group to linyphiines rather than to mynoglenines.
Mucin-vesicle interactions in model bile: Evidence for vesicle aggregation and fusion before cholesterol crystal formation☆☆☆

Abstract Nucleation of cholesterol monohydrate crystals from bile is a critical step in the formation of cholesterol gallstones. Measurement of nucleation in model bile systems and the characteristics of the initial nucleus have proven elusive. In this study we have used three separate physical chemical techniques to examine vesicle aggregation and fusion, including dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and fluorescent biochemical assays. These assays enabled us to quantify the effect of biliary proteins, such as gallbladder mucin, on vesicle fusion and aggregation. In the absence of mucin, fusion is a relatively slow process occurring over 24 hours, whereas physiological concentrations of mucin are able to accelerate almost complete fusion of vesicles within 6 hours. Vesicle fusion and aggregation as characterized by TEM result in the formation of aggregates of multilamellar vesicles and giant fusion bodies associated with a background of mucin. These mucin-vesicle aggregate bodies may represent true nuclei and precede cholesterol monohydrate crystal nucleation. In future studies, these vesicle fusion assays can be used to quantitatively examine the effect of putative pro- and anti-nucleating proteins on the earliest steps of cholesterol crystal nucleation.
village agriculture and labor migration: interrelated production activities among the llakla Awa of Papua New Guinea

During the initial phase of participation in a cash economy, labor is diverted from local production as people leave the village to enter the wage-labor market. Given the particular organization of subsistence agriculture among the llakia Awa, periodic undersupply of labor results. Resident villagers respond by altering household gardening strategies to accommodate the loss of local labor. This accommodation, however, becomes burdensome when the number of migrants, especially married men, is high. The intensification of effort required by both the men and the women remaining in the village to maintain sufficient subsistence production is an important factor for understanding the subsequent reduction in the level of participation in wage-labor migration. [subsistence agriculture, labor migration, domestic economy, sociocultural change, Melanesia]
Interposition graft with polytetrafluoroethylene for mesenteric and portal vein reconstruction after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background: Portal vein–superior mesenteric vein resection is frequently required after surgical resection of tumours of the pancreas head. The ideal graft for portal vein reconstruction (PVR) remains undefined. Methods: Between May 2000 and July 2007, 28 patients had portal vein–superior mesenteric vein resection and PVR during pancreaticoduodenectomy. Their clinical reports were reviewed retrospectively with specific attention to the methods of PVR and outcomes. Results: Ten patients had PVR with primary anastomosis, seven had PVR with autologous vein, one had a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) patch, one did not have PVR and nine had PVR with a PTFE interposition graft. There was no infection after PTFE grafting. Six patients had PVR thrombosis after surgery: four after primary anastomosis, one after interposition PTFE and one after vein repair. Conclusion: PTFE appeared to be an effective and safe option as an interposition graft for portomesenteric venous reconstruction after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Implicit Membrane Generalized Born Theory for the Study of Structure, Stability, and Interactions of Membrane Proteins

Exploiting recent developments in generalized Born (GB) electrostatics theory, we have reformulated the calculation of the self-electrostatic solvation energy to account for the influence of biological membranes. Consistent with continuum Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) electrostatics, the membrane is approximated as an solvent-inaccessible infinite planar low-dielectric slab. The present membrane GB model closely reproduces the PB electrostatic solvation energy profile across the membrane. The nonpolar contribution to the solvation energy is taken to be proportional to the solvent-exposed surface area (SA) with a phenomenological surface tension coefficient. The proposed membrane GB/SA model requires minor modifications of the pre-existing GB model and appears to be quite efficient. By combining this implicit model for the solvent/bilayer environment with advanced computational sampling methods, like replica-exchange molecular dynamics, we are able to fold and assemble helical membrane peptides. We examine the reliability of this model and approach by applications to three membrane peptides: melittin from bee venom, the transmembrane domain of the M2 protein from Influenza A (M2-TMP), and the transmembrane domain of glycophorin A (GpA). In the context of these proteins, we explore the role of biological membranes (represented as a low-dielectric medium) in affecting the conformational changes in melittin, the tilt of transmembrane peptides with respect to the membrane normal (M2-TMP), helix-to-helix interactions in membranes (GpA), and the prediction of the configuration of transmembrane helical bundles (GpA). The present method is found to perform well in each of these cases and is anticipated to be useful in the study of folding and assembly of membrane proteins as well as in structure refinement and modeling of membrane proteins where a limited number of experimental observables are available.
Molecular-Level Simulations of Shock Generation and Propagation in Soda-Lime Glass

A non-equilibrium molecular dynamics method is employed to study the mechanical response of soda-lime glass (a material commonly used in transparent armor applications) when subjected to the loading conditions associated with the generation and propagation of planar shock waves. Specific attention is given to the identification and characterization of various (inelastic-deformation and energy-dissipation) molecular-level phenomena and processes taking place at, or in the vicinity of, the shock front. The results obtained revealed that the shock loading causes a 2-4% (shock strength-dependent) density increase. In addition, an increase in the average coordination number of the silicon atoms is observed along with the creation of smaller Si-O rings. These processes are associated with substantial energy absorption and dissipation and are believed to greatly influence the blast/ballistic impact mitigation potential of soda-lime glass. The present work was also aimed at the determination of the shock Hugoniot (i.e., a set of axial stress vs. density/specific-volume vs. internal energy vs. particle velocity vs. temperature) material states obtained in soda-lime glass after the passage of a shock wave of a given strength (as quantified by the shock speed). The availability of a shock Hugoniot is critical for construction of a high deformation-rate, large-strain, high pressure material model which can be used within a continuum-level computational analysis to capture the response of a soda-lime glass based laminated transparent armor structure (e.g., a military vehicle windshield, door window, etc.) to blast/ballistic impact loading.
The role of computed tomography in pre-procedural planning of cardiovascular surgery and intervention

Advances in our knowledge of cardiovascular disorders coupled with technological innovations have enabled the increased use of minimally invasive cardiovascular surgeries and transcatheter interventions, with resultant reduced morbidity and hospital stay. Three-dimensional imaging, particularly computed tomography (CT) is increasingly used for patient selection, providing a roadmap of the anatomy and identifying factors that may complicate these procedures. Advantages of CT are the rapid turnaround time, good spatial and temporal resolutions, wide field of view and three-dimensional multi-planar reconstruction capabilities. This pictorial review describes the role of CT in the pre-operative evaluation of patients undergoing cardiovascular surgeries and intervention. Main Messages • CT scan is valuable in pre-operative evaluation for cardiac surgeries • Cardiovascular structures, including bypass grafts should be located >10 mm from the sternum in patients for reoperative cardiothoracic surgeries • Knowledge of variations in pulmonary venous anatomy are essential for planning radiofrequency ablation
Live and Dead Issues in the Methodology of Economics

1. The purpose of this note is a very humble one; it is an attempt to eliminate certain causes of unnecessary confusion. In the last ten years much has been written both by professional economists and by laymen on the methodology of economics. Some of this as it seems to me, has been concerned with live issues — with issues, that is to say about which intelligent men may well differ even when they have become fully aware of each other’s premises. But some of it seems to rest upon misunderstanding and to relate to issues upon which there is no real dispute once the question is clearly stated. This note merely attempts to separate out some of these issues, particularly those that relate — or are thought to relate — to the vexed question of the status of realistic studies — to separate the quick from the dead in order that we may not any longer be encumbered by the latter. I hope that the absence of references will not be misunderstood. It would be easy enough to indicate the authorship of the misconceptions which are mentioned; and in certain cases the temptation has been strong. But I cannot help thinking that the purpose of the note is better served by deliberately refraining from assigning responsibility for what may seem to be obvious error. The issues are intellectual, not personal.
Role of Repetition and Reinforcement in Learning

Ten paired-associates were used with CVC syllables as stimuli and single-digits as responses in two experiments. Exp. I consisted of five reinforcement (R) treatments prior to TT. Exposure conditions were 4 sec. for S-R (or S) and 4 sec. blank between exposures. Exp. II consisred of R1TT and R2TT with the blank inrra-trial interval omitted. Exp. I yielded a linear increasing function of N1:C2 switching with increasing R. Exp. II, however, showed no increase in N1:C2 switching although learning and retention were comparable to Exp. I. Caution is advised in prematurely using the data from the RTT paradigm to support a given theory of associative learning.
VALUE ADDITION TO TECHNOLOGY ORGANIZATIONS: THE SIX-DIMENSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

The dawn of the new millennium is uniquely characterized by the rapid advancement in technologies and tectonic change in global markets. This paper enumerates on opportunities for engineers to add value to technology organizations, such as e-transformation, web-based tools, product development, innovations, and management of global supply chains. These opportunities entail challenges in six dimensions, namely inside, outside, present, future, local and global; they are linkable to stakeholders' value. Engineering managers need to emulate specific personal strategies in order to seize these value-addition opportunities and convert them into business profitability for their technology organizations.
Health, Supervisory Support, and Workplace Culture in Relation to Work-Family Conflict and Synergy

This research examined health, supervisory support, and workplace culture as predictors of work interfering with family, family interfering with work, and work-family synergy. The analysis of data from 2,796 respondents from the 2002 National Study of the Changing Workforce yielded significant relations among measures of mental health, self-rated health, supervisory support, and work-family culture with a focus on career concerns. Support was found for a measure of work-family synergy. Implications and directions for research are discussed.
Calculated upper stratospheric effects of solar UV flux and NOY variations during the 11‐year solar cycle

Model derived sensitivities of O3 near 40 km to solar UV flux changes (11-year and 27-day) fall within the range 0.36–0.55 with S11y ≈ S27d. These sensitivities derived from observations have been reported to be 0.91 and 0.39–0.46, respectively. This discrepancy appears to be due to long-term (2–10 years) fluctuations in stratospheric NO2 in the 1980s. Such fluctuations, if not taken into account in the analysis of the data, could lead to high values of the sensitivity for the 11-year activity cycle but not for the 27-day solar rotation period. Simulations accounting for such effects suggest a consistency between theoretical values of S11y and those derived from data if NO2 effects are included. The appropriate values are approximately 0.48, a value similar to published model calculations and results from the analysis of data from the 27-day solar rotation period. Verification of this suggestion awaits an NO2 data base of sufficient quality and length to permit solar-cycle trend calculations to be made.
Multivalent ions are necessary for poly[d(AC) · d(GT)] to assume the Z form: A CD study

In previous work, it was shown that poly [d(AC) · d(GT)] could be forced into the Z form by strong dehydrating conditions, provided EDTA was not present. Presumably multivalent impurities were also necessary for the transition. In order to gain control over the B to Z transition for this DNA, we carefully removed all divalent contaminants from the sample and asked the obvious question: What ions are necessary for the transition under dehydrating conditions? We systematically investigated the effect of various multivalent ions. The common contaminants Ca2+, Mg2+, and Fe3+ will not cause the transition, but Co2+ and Ni2+ facilitate the transition, undoubtedly because of their well-known propensity to bind to purine N7. Since the transition also depends on the synergistic dehydrating action of sodium perchlorate and ethanol, we include CD spectra for the independent variations of these two factors. In addition, vacuum-uv CD spectra for the A form and various B forms of poly [d (AC) · d (GT)] are presented for the first time.
Analysis and testing of a soft actuation system for segmented-reflector articulation and isolation

Segmented reflectors have been proposed for space-based applications such as optical communication and large-diameter telescopes. An actuation system for mirrors in a space-based segmented mirror array has been developed as part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration-sponsored Precision Segmented Reflector program. The actuation system, called the Articulated Panel Module (APM), articulates a mirror panel in 3 degrees of freedom in the submicron regime, isolates the panel from structural motion, and simplifies space assembly of the mirrors to the reflector backup truss. A breadboard of the APM has been built and is described. Three-axis modeling, analysis, and testing of the breadboard is discussed.
Capture-Recapture Models

Here I briefly review capture-recapture models as they apply to estimation of demographic parameters (e.g., population size, survival, recruitment, emigration, and immigration) for wild animal populations. These models are now also widely used in a variety of other applications, such as the census undercount, incidence of disease, criminality, homelessness, and computer bugs (see Pollock 1991 for many references). Although they have their historical roots in the sixteenth century, capture-recapture models are basically a twentieth century phenomenon. The papers by Petersen and Lincoln (Seber 1982) from late last century and early this century represent early attempts by biologists to use capture-recapture methods. Later, as statistical inference took its modern form and provided powerful tools such as maximum likelihood methods, biometricians became involved. There has been an explosion of research that still seems to be accelerating at the century’s end. Fortunately, most of the research is still rooted in the need to solve biological questions. Section 2 reviews closed models; Section 3, open models; and Section 4, combined models. I conclude the article with my views on fruitful current and future research thrusts and how the pace of change is affecting them.