cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fatigue crack-growth in shape-memory NiTi and NiTi-TiC composites

Abstract An experimental study was conducted to examine the room-temperature fatigue crack-growth characteristics of shape-memory NiTi matrix composites reinforced with 10 and 20 vol.% of TiC particles. Microstructural characterization of these hot-isostatically-pressed materials shows that the TiC particles do not react with the NiTi matrix and that they lack any texture. Overall fatigue crack-growth characteristics were found to be similar for the unreinforced and reinforced materials. However, a slight increase in the threshold for fatigue crack initiation was noted for the composites. The fracture toughness, as indicated by the failure stress intensity factor range, was found to be similar for all materials. Neutron diffraction studies near the crack-tip of the loaded fracture NiTi specimen detected no significant development of texture at the crack-tip. These results are explained by recourse to fractographic observations. Finally, a comparison is made between the micromechanisms of fracture of metal matrix composites, which deform by dislocation plasticity, and those of the present NiTi–TiC composites, which deform additionally by twinning.
Novel dehydrogenation properties derived from nanoscale LiBH4

Abstract Nanoscale, amorphous LiBH 4 powder with sizes from 20 to 50 nm is synthesized via a solvent evaporation process without the aid of nanoscaffolds. The nanoscale LiBH 4 starts to release H 2 at ∼32 °C and forms Li 2 B 12 H 12 at 265 °C or lower. The amount of H 2 released in the solid state from 25 to 265 °C reaches 3.5 wt.%, which is substantially higher than 0.75 wt.% H 2 released by bulk LiBH 4 . These novel dehydrogenation properties have been discussed based on the observed improvements in both the thermodynamic driving force and reaction kinetics. The nanoscale LiBH 4 not only enhances the dehydrogenation kinetics, but also alters the rate-limiting step.
One-set resistance training elevates energy expenditure for 72 h similar to three sets.

To compare the effects of an acute one versus three-set full body resistance training (RT) bout in eight overweight (mean ± SD, BMI = 25.6 ± 1.5 kg m−2) young (21.0 ± 1.5 years) adults on resting energy expenditure (REE) measured on four consecutive mornings following each protocol. Participants performed a single one-set or three-set whole body (10 exercises, 10 repetition maximum) RT bout following the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines for RT. REE and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) by indirect calorimetry were measured at baseline and at 24, 48, and 72 h after the RT bout. Participants performed each protocol in randomized, counterbalanced order separated by 7 days. There was no difference between protocols for REE or RER. However, REE was significantly (p < 0.05) elevated (~5% or ~400 kJ day−1) in both the protocols at 24, 48, and 72 h post RT bout compared with baseline. There was a no change in RER in both the protocols at 72 h compared to baseline. A one-set RT bout following the ACSM guidelines for RT and requiring only ~15 min to complete was as effective as a three-set RT bout (~35 min to complete) in elevating REE for up to 72 h post RT in overweight college males, a group at high risk of developing obesity. The one-set RT protocol may provide an attractive alternative to either aerobic exercise or multiple-set RT programs for weight management in young adults, due to the minimal time commitment and the elevation in REE post RT bout.
A family of human phosphodiesterases homologous to the dunce learning and memory gene product of Drosophila melanogaster are potential targets for antidepressant drugs

We have isolated cDNAs for four human genes (DPDE1 through DPDE4) closely related to the dnc learning and memory locus of Drosophila melanogaster. The deduced amino acid sequences of the Drosophila and human proteins have considerable homology, extending beyond the putative catalytic region to include two novel, highly conserved, upstream conserved regions (UCR1 and UCR2). The upstream conserved regions are located in the amino-terminal regions of the proteins and appear to be unique to these genes. Polymerase chain reaction analysis suggested that these genes encoded the only homologs of dnc in the human genome. Three of the four genes were expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and shown to encode cyclic AMP-specific phosphodiesterases. The products of the expressed genes displayed the pattern of sensitivity to inhibitors expected for members of the type IV, cyclic AMP-specific class of phosphodiesterases. Each of the four genes demonstrated a distinctive pattern of expression in RNA from human cell lines.
An Integrated Development Environment for Web Service Composition

Web services provide an instantiation of the loosely coupled service-oriented architecture and facilitate the process of enterprise application integration by encapsulating information, software, and other resources. However, to exploit the true potential of web services, it is critical to develop technologies and tools for composing new services from existing ones. While numerous composition approaches have been developed in the past, very little has been done towards tooling. What is clearly lacking is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to ease the process of composition, thereby reducing development time and integration efforts. In this paper, we build on our previous work on service composition, and present an IDE for end-to-end composition of web services. We elaborate on the design of the IDE, describe its integration with existing technologies, and discuss its usability based on the findings of a user survey.
Utilities and limitations of genetic testing for hypertropic cardiomyopathy.

Background: Hypertropic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a primary disease of cardiac myocytes, diagnosed clinically by the presence of cardiac hypertrophy in the absence of any known cause. Over a dozen causal genes and several hundred mutations for HCM have been identified. Objective: The utilities of genetic testing in accurate diagnosis, prognostication and treatment of HCM are reviewed. Methods: The existing data are reviewed. Results/conclusions: There is considerable interest in genetic testing for HCM. However, heterogeneity of the causal genes and alleles has hampered the efforts to develop a simple comprehensive genetic screening test. At present, it is feasible to screen for the 5 most common causal genes, which collectively account for ∼ 60% of the HCM. Advances of deep resequencing technologies are expected to increase the yield considerably and, hence, increase the use of genetic testing in clinical practice. However, the utility of genetic testing for risk stratification is expected to be limited, a...
Weight stigma is stressful. A review of evidence for the Cyclic Obesity/Weight-Based Stigma model.

Weight stigma is highly pervasive, but its consequences are understudied. This review draws from theory in social psychology, health psychology, and neuroendocrinology to construct an original, generative model called the cyclic obesity/weight-based stigma (COBWEBS) model. This model characterizes weight stigma as a “vicious cycle” – a positive feedback loop wherein weight stigma begets weight gain. This happens through increased eating behavior and increased cortisol secretion governed by behavioral, emotional, and physiological mechanisms, which are theorized to ultimately result in weight gain and difficulty of weight loss. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the existing literature for evidence supporting such a model, propose ways in which individuals enter, fight against, and exit the cycle, and conclude by outlining fruitful future directions in this nascent yet important area of research.
Trilobite Biofacies Along an Ordovician (Sandbian) Carbonate Buildup to Basin Gradient, Southwestern Virginia

The Upper Ordovician Effna, Botetourt, and Liberty Hall limestones of Virginia record deposition in several paleoenvironments along a carbonate ramp during the early history of the Taconic Foreland Basin. Four distinct lithofacies are present, i.e., biohermal mudstone and wackestone, biostromal grainstone, nodular deep-flank limestone and shale, and basinal mudstones and shale, and each of these is associated with different trilobite biofacies. Cluster analysis and ordination define biofacies, and characterize gradients and patterns within the trilobite relative abundance data. Biofacies are clearly delineated along a depth gradient, with gradational compositional changes between associations. The moderate-diversity bioherm biofacies is dominated by illaenids (Illaenus, Bumastoides) and cheirurids (Sphaerexochus). The high-diversity biostromal biofacies is also an illaenid-cheirurid association, but is proportionally enriched in cheirurids, and includes off-bank elements not common in the bioherm. The high-diversity deep-flank facies is associated with an Ampyx-Isotelus-Nileus assemblage that gradationally replaces the biostromal biofacies. The deep flank gives way to a low-diversity Isotelus-Calyptaulax-Raymondaspis association of cosmopolitan trilobites in the outer slope and basin environment. These biofacies characterize local environments in the Taconic Foreland Basin just prior to, and in the initial phases of tectonically driven oceanographic change that led to regional extirpation of the buildup fauna and the reorganization of deep-water trilobite biofacies. New associations of taxa not found elsewhere in Laurentia are common within the foreland basin, suggesting that the archetypal biofacies described here are reorganized with the onset of regional environmental change.
An Exploratory Study of Speed Limit Compliance in Missouri Work Zones

This study evaluated the speed compliance with the posted speed limit both quantitatively and qualitatively using objective and subjective data analysis. Free flow speed data for three work zones on I-44 in Missouri were used for the objective evaluation. Speeds analyzed for cars and trucks were distributed normally. Construction activity had a significant effect in reducing the speed of vehicles. Results indicate that the speeds of vehicles were statistically higher than the speed limit regardless of the construction activity, when the lane width was not reduced. The subjective evaluation investigated the drivers' perception of driving through the work zone by using a survey questionnaire. About 40% of drivers indicated that the speed of other drivers were less than the speed limit which contradicted the results of the objective analysis. More than 70% of drivers experienced delay and more than 90% agreed that construction activity reduced their speed which was ascertained from the results of the objective analysis.
Moisture Quenching of Solid-Matrix Phosphorescence on Hydrophilic and Partially Hydrophobic Filter Papers

A detailed investigation was undertaken to determine the important parameters that were responsible for the solid-matrix phosphorescence (SMP) moisture quenching of phosphors adsorbed in Whatman No. 1 (hydrophilic) and Whatman 1PS (partially hydrophobic) papers. The three phosphors used were phenanthrene, perdeuterated phenanthrene, and benzo[e]pyrene. Both SMP lifetime and SMP intensity data were obtained over a wide range of adsorbed moisture. In addition, moisture isotherms were obtained for the No. 1 and 1PS papers. The SMP lifetimes of phenanthrene and benzo[e]pyrene were independent of the amount of adsorbed moisture on both the No. 1 and 1PS papers. However, the SMP lifetimes of perdeuterated phenanthrene on No. 1 and 1PS papers were dependent on the extent of the adsorbed moisture. The changes in the SMP intensities as a function of adsorbed moisture for phenanthrene, benzo[e]pyrene, and perdeuterated phenanthrene on No. 1 paper could be modeled by a simple exponential function with phenanthrene and benzo[e]pyrene giving better correlations compared to perdeuterated phenanthrene. The change in the modulus of filter paper samples with moisture adsorption was a major factor in causing the SMP intensity to decrease. The decrease in the SMP intensities with moisture adsorption for the three phosphors adsorbed on 1PS paper did not correlate with the simple Stern-Volmer model and several other quenching models discussed in the literature. Thus, these data were fit to a relatively simple empirical equation. The results showed that the SMP quenching phenomena for the three phosphors on No. 1 paper and on 1PS paper were considerably different.
Voluntary Physical Education: A Sound Practice

(1975). Voluntary Physical Education: A Sound Practice. Journal of Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 46, No. 5, pp. 23-23.
A Developmental Analysis of Children's Ideas of Health

This article analyzes children's ideas of health using a Piagetian developmental framework and draws implications for health education. Young children see health as a positive, enabling concept unassociated with illness. Older children associate health and illness but see health as long term and sickness as short term. The development of a concept of health follows a progression similar to that outlined by Piaget and verified by researchers looking at related concepts. An understanding of cause and effect, the ability to conserve ideas and reverse thinking, consider the future and formulate at least tentative hypotheses are processes which mature with age and experience. The concept of health expands and changes as these processes mature. This analysis suggests that health oriented educational programs which are consistent with the child's ability to process information might be more effective than traditional disease-oriented programs. It also raises several questions for future research.
Measuring the propagation properties of a forest canopy using a polarimetric scatterometer

A truck-mounted 1.6-GHz polarimetric scatterometer was used from a 19-m high platform to measure the backscattering from a dense canopy of pine trees at an incidence angle of 40 degrees . Two sets of measurements were made at each of many spatial locations, one set with and the other without a trihedral corner reflector present on the ground surface underneath the canopy. From the two sets of polarimetric measurements, it was possible to determine the mean values and the statistical distributions of the canopy attenuation factors for horizontal and vertical polarizations. The mean values of the one-way attenuation factors were found to be 9.31 dB for horizontal polarization and 9.16 dB for vertical polarization. The precision associated with the values of the canopy loss factor measured using the polarimetric technique is estimated to be on the order of +or-0.3 dB. >
Season of Birth, Introversion, and Astrology: A Chronobiological Alternative

Summary Relationships have been reported in this journal between birth month and the Eysenck personality measures (12, 14). A model is explored here suggesting that the relationships—like similar phenomena noted elsewhere—can be accounted for by a specific lag effect involving a sensitive phase other than birth and certain biological rhythms which are circannually synchronized.
Trial of a novel prostacyclin analog, UT-15, in patients with severe intermittent claudication

Prostacyclin is an endothelially derived vasodilator and inhibitor of platelet aggregation. Despite its therapeutic potential for peripheral arterial disease, the short half-life and chemical instability are barriers to routine therapy. Accordingly, prostacyclin analogs are being evaluated in patients with peripheral arterial disease. State-of-the-art non-invasive ultrasonography allows for serial testing of the hemodynamic effects of vasoactive drugs. The safety, efficacy and hemodynamic effects of UT-15, a novel, long-acting prostacyclin analog, were studied in patients with severe intermittent claudication. A total of eight patients with stable severe intermittent claudication, Fontaine classes IIb-III, were admitted to the hospital for intravenous infusion of UT-15. A symptom-limited, dose-escalation protocol was instituted, beginning with placebo and then with increasing dosage at 60-min intervals, followed by a 2-h period of maintenance dose at the maximum well-tolerated infusion rate. The hemodynamic response in the lower limbs was assessed with serial ultrasonography, segmental arterial pressures and pulse volumes. Blood flow in the common femoral artery increased 29% (p = 0.003) by the end of the maintenance period and remained above baseline throughout the washout period (p = 0.044). Blood velocity in the lower limb increased in most of the peripheral arteries. These increases achieved statistical significance in the common femoral artery (p = 0.025) and anterior tibial artery (p = 0.019), and approached significance in the popliteal artery (p = 0.062). In two of four patients in whom blood flow was undetectable before the infusion, arterial blood flow at the ankle level became apparent on ultrasonography during maintenance infusion. UT-15 infusion improved the pulse volume recording (p = 0.016) but the ankle/brachial index did not change significantly. Common side effects at peak dose included headache and nausea. There were no serious adverse events attributable to UT-15 treatment. In most patients, the optimal infusion rate was 10-20 ng/kg per min. In conclusion, ultrasonography is a novel approach for assessing the hemodynamic response to vasoactive agents. UT-15 is well tolerated when given for up to 2 h and increases arterial blood flow and velocity in patients with severe intermittent claudication.
Mechanism of the perception of “ kokumi ” substances and the sensory characteristics of the “ kokumi ” peptide, γ-Glu-Val-Gly

Some foods are known to have flavours that cannot be explained by the five basic tastes alone, such as continuity, mouthfulness and thick flavour. It was demonstrated that these sensations are evoked by the addition of kokumi substances, flavour modifiers that have no taste themselves. However, their mode of action has been poorly understood. During a study on the perception of amino acids and peptides, it was found that glutathione (GSH) was one of the agonists of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). We have hypothesized that CaSR is involved in the perception of kokumi substances. We found that all CaSR agonists tested act as kokumi substances and that a positive correlation exists between the CaSR activity of γ-glutamyl peptides and kokumi intensity. Furthermore, the kokumi intensities of GSH and γ-Glu-Val-Gly, a potent kokumi peptide, were significantly reduced by the CaSR-specific antagonist, NPS-2143. These results suggest that CaSR is involved in the perception of kokumi substances. A potent kokumi peptide, γ-Glu-Val-Gly, enhanced sweetness, saltiness and umami when added to 3.3% sucrose, 0.9% NaCl and 0.5% MSG solutions, respectively. In addition, γ-Glu-Val-Gly enhanced the intensity of continuity, mouthfulness and thick flavour when added to chicken soup and reduced-fat cream. These results suggest that γ-Glu-Val-Gly is a potent kokumi peptide and would be useful for improving the flavour of food.
Photopolymerized, multilaminated matrix devices with optimized nonuniform initial concentration profiles to control drug release.

This paper describes a novel approach to obtain desired release profiles from diffusion-controlled matrix devices by employing nonuniform initial concentration profiles theoretically and experimentally. Theoretically, a model was developed to examine the effect of nonuniform initial concentration profiles on matrix release behavior, and an optimization technique was investigated to determine suitable nonuniform initial concentration profiles which provide desired release patterns. Experimentally, release rates of an organic dye from photopolymerized matrix devices were measured to test the application of these mathematical techniques and the efficacy of photolaminated matrices in approximating the optimized release behavior. All system parameters were measured by independent experiments, and the experimental release data agree very well with the computed results.
Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Provide Stromal Support for Efficient CD34+ Transduction

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC)-nonhematopoietic cells within the bone marrow microenvironment that can be culture expanded to a uniform population of fibroblastic cells-have been shown to support long-term hematopoiesis of CD34+ cells. Because direct contact between stromal elements and CD34+ cells enhances long-term engraftment, we postulated that hMSC would be a good alternative to the more heterogeneous stroma currently used in gene transfer studies. We used hMSC to support retroviral gene transfer of the G156A MGMT (DeltaMGMT) gene encoding an alkyltransferase (AGT), which confers drug resistance to a combination of O6-benzylguanine (BG) plus the alkylating agents BCNU and temozolomide (TMZ) in human hematopoietic progenitors. In the presence of IL-3, IL-6, SCF, or leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and Flt-3 ligand, hMSC facilitated expansion and retroviral transduction of human peripheral blood-mobilized CD34+ cells. Furthermore, the transduced cells expressed AGT in 29% of hematopoietic cells an...
Unusual Digital Patterns In EPS: Evidence On The Association Between Earnings Management And Company Characteristics

Prior studies (Thomas, 1989; Das and Zhang, 2003) provide evidence of earnings manipulation to achieve cognitive reference points in EPS. The current study extends this line of research by examining the relation between unusual digital patterns in the right EPS position and specific firm characteristics. Results suggest that the propensity to manage earnings to effect desired EPS results is particularly associated with company size and to a lesser degree with operating performance and the level of debt leverage employed.
Imaging of Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are electromechanical pumps that aid the failing heart and are essential option in the modern management of heart failure that may serve as a bridge to transplantation and provide destination therapy or short-term recovery for cardiogenic shock. As a complement to echocardiography, computed tomography (and to a lesser extent radiography or nuclear scintigraphy) plays an essential role in the evaluation of LVAD complications in both the perioperative and late post-operative time periods. These complications and their imaging appearances are reviewed in this article.
Structural Linguistics and Unsupervised Information Extraction

A precondition for extracting information from large text corpora is discovering the information structures underlying the text. Progress in this direction is being made in the form of unsupervised information extraction (IE). We describe recent work in unsupervised relation extraction and compare its goals to those of grammar discovery for science sublanguages. We consider what this work on grammar discovery suggests for future directions in unsupervised IE.
Abstract 185: Global Infusion of Allogeneic Cardiosphere-Derived Cells Proportionally Stimulates Angiogenesis and Myocyte Regeneration in Swine With Chronic Myocardial Infarction

Background: Previously we reported that global infusion of CDCs in infarcted and non-infarcted remote regions improved LV function in swine with chronic myocardial infarction. The effect of global infusion of CDCs on angiogenesis and myocyte regeneration in infarcted and non-infarcted remote regions is unknown. Methods: Swine (n=11) with chronic infarction in the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery region were studied 8 weeks after microsphere embolization (1x10^6 particles, 45μm diameter). CDCs were isolated from myocardial atrium and 20 x 10^6 CDCs were infused into the 3 major coronary distributions after cyclosporine (100mg/day) immunosuppression. Data were compared to untreated animals. To assess the factors related to angiogenesis, VEGF and SDF-1 expression on cultured CDCs were quantified by RT-PCR. Angiogenesis was quantified by assessing capillary density (von Willebrand Factor) with immunohistochemistry. Myocyte regeneration was quantified by assessing myocyte nuclear density. The rat...
THE FRENCH CIVILIZATION COURSE GOES HIGH TECH

L'A. presente son experience d'enseignement de la civilisation francaise aux Etats-Unis. Il temoigne de l'evolution des supports de cours qu'il a utilise : magazines francais, telecommunications, television par sattelites
Validation of a modified Frailty Index to predict mortality in vascular surgery patients.

Background Patient frailty has been implicated as a predictor of poor patient outcomes; however, there is no consensus on how to define or quantify frailty to assess perioperative risk. A previously described modified Frailty Index (mFI) has been shown to predict adverse outcomes after selected vascular surgical procedures, but no studies to date have compared its utility against other recognized risk indices in specific populations of vascular surgery patients. Methods National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data were reviewed for all patients undergoing carotid revascularization, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, and lower extremity revascularization for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) from 2006 to 2012. Patients were then further stratified into "open" and "endovascular" cohorts. The mFI was compared with the Lee Cardiac Risk Index (LCRI) and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Classification using a receiver operating characteristic area under curve (AUC). The primary end point was 30-day mortality, with a secondary end point of Clavien-Dindo class IV complications. Results A total of 72,106 patients were identified in the study period, with 40,931 (56.8%), 20,975 (29.1%), and 10,200 (14.1%) in the carotid, AAA, and PAD populations, respectively. For carotid endarterectomy, mFI demonstrated better discrimination regarding mortality than LCRI and ASA, with an AUC of 0.66 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63-0.70; P P = .65 and P = .60, respectively). The open AAA cohort had similar findings, with an AUC of 0.63 (95% CI, 0.59-0.67; P = .02 vs P = .58, and P = .58, respectively). In open PAD patients, mFI was comparable to ASA (AUC, 0.64 [95% CI 0.60-0.69] vs 0.65), with a trend toward better discrimination compared with the 0.60 AUC of LCRI ( P = .08). The mFI was a better discriminator of class IV complications than LCRI and ASA after open AAA (AUC for mFI, 0.59 vs 0.56 and 0.55; 95% CI, 0.57-0.61; P P = .01). There were no significant differences in discrimination of class IV complications after open or endovascular PAD or carotid endarterectomy. Conclusions The mFI was a better discriminator of mortality than other risk indices; however this was only significant for the open cohort. The mFI was also a better discriminator of class IV complications for the open and endovascular AAA repair groups. These data suggest that mFI should be used in place of previously recognized risk indices to define perioperative mortality after open vascular surgery and risk of major complications after aneurysm repair.
A hybrid simulation-assignment modeling framework for crowd dynamics in large-scale pedestrian facilities

This paper presents a hybrid simulation-assignment modeling framework for studying crowd dynamics in large-scale pedestrian facilities. The proposed modeling framework judiciously manages the trade-off between ability to accurately capture congestion phenomena resulting from the pedestrians’ collective behavior and scalability to model large facilities. We present a novel modeling framework that integrates a dynamic simulation-assignment logic with a hybrid (two-layer or bi-resolution) representation of the facility. The top layer consists of a network representation of the facility, which enables modeling the pedestrians’ route planning decisions while performing their activities. The bottom layer consists of a high resolution Cellular Automata (CA) system for all open spaces, which enables modeling the pedestrians’ local maneuvers and movement decisions at a high level of detail. The model is applied to simulate the crowd dynamics in the ground floor of Al-Haram Al-Sharif Mosque in the City of Mecca, Saudi Arabia during the pilgrimage season. The analysis illustrates the model’s capability in accurately representing the observed congestion phenomena in the facility.
Filters and Equivalent Nets

(1957). Filters and Equivalent Nets. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 64, No. 5, pp. 336-338.
ASTROP2iLE: A. Flutter and Forced Response Analysis ,Systenn Based '-on a 2D Linearized Euler Solver

A flutter and forced response analysis system based on a two-dimensional linearized Euler solver was developed. The ASTROP code, an aeroelastic stability analysis program for turbomachinery, was used for this purpose. The ASTROP code uses strip theory to couple a two dimensional aerodynamic model with a three dimensional structural model. The code was first modified to include forced response capability. The unsteady aerodynamic modeling of the ASTROPZ was also changed to accept the loads from a linearized Euler solver, LINFLX2D. By including the unsteady aerodynamic loads from LINFLX2D, it is possible to include the effects of transonic flow on flutter and forced response in the analysis. The updated code, ASTROl%LE for ASTROP code using Linearized Euler aerodynamics, is validated by comparing the predictions with those obtained using linear unsteady aerodynamic solutions.
Effects of amethopterin on cell growth and viral synthesis.

SummaryAmethopterin, a folic acid antagonist, has been found to prevent multiplication of HeLa cells in Eagle's medium containing added adenine and glycine. This inhibition can be removed by addition of thymidine or thymidylic acid. The amethopterin-induced thymine deficiency specifically results in a cessation of cell division and a disparate increase in cellular RNA and protein to DNA content. Ability of amethopterin-induced thymine deficient cultures to support viral synthesis appears to be dependent upon the type of nucleic acid contained in the virus. With DNA-containing viruses such as vaccinia and herpes simplex, viral replication is inhibited, whereas the synthesis of a RNA-containing virus such as poliovirus is not.
Mesi Dilemma: A Workable Competitive Solution?

Today, there is tremendous uncertainty about this industry’s future, and that itself holds this industry back. Developments in the electricity industry in recent years have brought the industry to a cross-road. While the move to competitive markets has fostered enormous benefits, some serious problems have given rise to a significant policy debate, especially over the past two years. We have three basic policy choices:• First, go back to comprehensive rate-regulation for wholesale power sales. Have the federal government set regulation for TNB power prices. Abandon reliance on market forces and competition as the underpinning of federal electricity policy.• Second, maintain the status quo with a single buyer. Defer making decisions on major policy issues. Continue to straddle the fence.• And third, complete the transition to effective competition in wholesale power markets.Going back to comprehensive rate regulation is not really an option. Too much has happened, and too much has changed. The process of change introduced into electricity markets by federal policies is probably irreversible. Legislation before the Parliament today will need to put this country on a forward path toward a better electricity markets. It should further the transition to more-effective markets. In reference to all four options, regardless, of the structure chosen there should be an emphasis on the importance of the legal system that would define rights and responsibilities of each market participant under any of these options. The legal system should be a combination of structural remedies of a workable competitive organization, behavioral remedies to govern the market participants conducts in the markets. These should include:• Increase of antitrust enforcement commensurate with the pace of deregulation• Prohibit stranded cost recovery mechanisms that act as barriers to competition and• Mitigate discriminatory and other anticompetitive behaviors with “codes of conduct”.Before any conclusion on these ultimate questions can be reached, it is important to understand how electricity deregulation has been carried out thus far. Indeed, the Malaysian experience represents a failure in design rather than the concept; this may lead to an understanding of more realistic designs that can avoid the deficiencies of the traditional regulatory approach, even if it cannot completely embrace the purity of free markets. The analysis will focus on the Malaysian electricity sector, deregulation, and the evolution of the reform policy. The paper will identify regulatory failures which are inherent in the existing restructured electric sector and will demonstrate the potential impacts of a reform policy that will sustain a workable competitive electric sector. Lastly, it will propose an array of recommendations as an alternative regulatory future for Malaysia’s utility sector.
Homoharringtonine therapy induces responses in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia in late chronic phase

Homoharringtonine (HHT) is a plant alkaloid with potent myelosuppressive activity and little toxicity when used in a continuous infusion schedule. The antileukemic efficacy of HHT has been shown in acute myeloid leukemia, but has not been investigated in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Seventy-one patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) CML in late chronic phase (time from diagnosis to therapy longer than 12 months) were treated with a continuous infusion of HHT at a daily dose of 2.5 mg/m2 for 14 days for remission induction and for 7 days every month for maintenance. The median number of courses given was 6 (range, 1 to 35) and 21 patients (30%) continue on treatment. Forty-two of 58 patients (72%) evaluable for hematologic response achieved a complete hematologic remission, and 9 (16%) had a partial hematologic remission. Twenty-two of 71 patients (31%) developed a cytogenetic response; it was major (Ph+ cells less than 35%) in 11 (15%) and complete (Ph+ cells 0%) in 5 (7%). Significant myelosuppression occurred in 39% of induction courses and 9% of maintenance courses. Fever or documented infection was present in 26% of induction courses and in only 8% of maintenance courses. Nonmyelosuppressive toxicity was minimal. Homoharringtonine produced hematologic remissions in the majority of patients with advanced chronic-phase CML. Cytogenetic response occurred in some patients without an association with myelosuppression, and these responses may be prolonged. Future studies investigating homoharringtonine in combination with other active agents in CML, such as interferon, are warranted.
Determination of Tetrodotoxin in Human Urine and Plasma after Immunoaffinity Column Clean-up Using Ultra-Performanc Hydrophilic Interaction Chromatography Coupled with Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry

An ultra-performance hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometric( UPLC-MS /MS) method was developed for the determination of tetrodotoxin( TTX) in human urine and plasma. After the sample was cleaned-up and concentrated by immunoaffinity column,the separation of the TTX was carried out on an Acquity UPLC BEH amide column( 100 mm × 2. 1 mm,1. 7 μm) with gradient elution using mobile phases of 0.1%( V /V) formic acid in water and acetonitrile. The analyte was detected by positive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in the multiple reaction monitoring( MRM)mode,and quantified by external solvent standard calibration. The measuring ranges of TTX in urine and plasma were 0.05-400 μg /L. The average recoveries were 92%-95% and 91%-96% for TTX respectively spiked in urine and plasma with relative standard deviations of 3.3%-7.2% and 3.9%-7.8%( n = 5). The limits of detection( LOD,S /N = 3) and limits of quantitation( LOQ,S /N = 10) of TTX were 0.02 μg /L and0.05μg /L for urine and plasma,respectively. This method is suitable for the detection of TTX in urine and plasma for both forensic and clinical purposes.
Prevention and Countermeasures Against Chemical Industry Pollution for Wuqiang County

Author describes an analysis of the chemical industry on pollution control for the basic countermeasures for Wuqiang county development of chemical industry of the actual situation of pollution and the status quo.
Cetartiodactyls evolved lacking the apoC-I gene

Abstract In a previous study, cattle were reported to be lacking the apoC-I gene. This was concluded after detailed mass spectrometry analyses of the apolipoproteins associated with bovine HDL and an examination of the apoE - C-II cluster on chromosome 18. To see if this were also true for other cetartiodactyls, the genomes of pig, two cetaceans and a dromedary were search for evidence of the apoC-I gene. Although the apoE and C-IV genes, the genes that flank the apoC-I gene in the apoE - apoC-II cluster were located, there was no evidence of an apoC-I gene in these mammals. However, the sequences similar to those present in the two enhancers that flank the apoC-I gene on human chromosome 19 were found. Cetartiodactyls diverged into the separate subgroups of Cetacea, Hippopotamidae, Ruminantia, Suina and Tylopoda during the geological epoch Eocene. The absence of the gene in members of these diverse suborders would indicate that the gene had been deleted from a common ancestor 35 to 65 million years ago.
Stanley Cavell on the Magic of the Movies

In order to explain Cavell's account of what makes movies so magical, this article will offer a chronological survey of his major writings on film, beginning with the first edition of The World Viewed (1971), where he poses an intriguing theoretical hypothesis about what distinguishes the movies from the other major art forms. The survey will continue by considering the expanded edition of The World Viewed (1979), Pursuits of Happiness: The Hollywood Comedy of Remarriage (1984), and Contesting Tears: The Hollywood Melodrama of the Unknown Woman (1997), and will conclude with an analysis of Cavell's discussion of Emersonian perfectionism in Cities of Words (2005). Throughout, I show how the specific film interpretations he proposes serve as archetypal examples of crucial features of his philosophy. Cavell's general thesis, I take it, is that films can pose particularly satisfying responses to the skepticism we all harbour about our most deeply held values. In a nutshell, the movies are magical because they...
Central Nervous System Vasculitis: Immunopathogenesis, Clinical Aspects, and Treatment Options

Inflammation is a naturally occurring phenomenon in stroke and can be either a nonspecific reaction to a vascular insult or a primary component of the pathogenesis. The potential for the inflammation associated with connective tissue disorders to affect the cerebral or spinal circulation is well recognized. Perhaps the most common vasculitic process of the cerebral circulation encountered is temporal, i.e., giant cell arteritis. Determination of a primary component of vascular inflammation in the patient’s presentation can be quite challenging and remains extremely important as it will be vital in determining whether or not immunosuppressive therapy is indicated. Documentation of the vasculitic process in a timely fashion, the need for potent immunosuppressive therapy, as well as the choice and dosing of therapy, along with the duration, are important determinants of outcome in central nervous vasculitis. We hope to provide updated information toward these goals in this chapter.
Reducing Recurrence of C. difficile Infection

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is facilitated by alteration of the microbiome following antibiotic administration. Antimicrobial therapy directed against the pathogen can treat CDI. Unfortunately, ∼20% of successfully treated patients will suffer recurrence. Bezlotoxumab, a human monoclonal antibody, binds to C. difficile toxin B (TcdB), reducing recurrence presumably by limiting epithelial damage and facilitating microbiome recovery.
Twenty‐year progression of body mass index in a county‐wide cohort of people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder identified at their first episode of psychosis

Objective There is an increased prevalence of obesity in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, leading to a disproportionate risk of adverse health conditions. Prospective, long-term weight gain data, however, are scarce. Methods We analyzed data from the Suffolk County Mental Health Project cohort of consecutive first admissions with psychosis recruited from September 1989 to December 1995 and subsequently followed for 20 years, focusing on people with schizophrenia (n=146) and bipolar disorder (n=87). The time course of weight gain was examined using a 2 (group)×5 (time) mixed-model repeated measures ANOVA, and body mass index (BMI) scores at the first (6 months) and second (2 years) assessments were compared to examine whether early overweight predicted later obesity. Results There was a statistically significant effect of time (F(1,210)=68.06, P<.001) and diagnosis (F(1,210)=29.18, P<.001) on BMI, but not the interaction of time×diagnosis (F(1,210)=0.88, P=.48). Most participants had normal BMIs at the first two assessments. Early overweight was a predictor of eventual obesity for both groups. At the 20-year follow-ups, approximately 50% of the bipolar and 62% of the schizophrenia sample were obese, with a greater prevalence of obesity in schizophrenia at each assessment (all P<.02), except for years 4 (P=.12) and 20 (P=.27). Conclusions Nearly two-thirds of the participants with schizophrenia and over half of those with bipolar disorder were obese 20 years after first hospitalization for psychosis, considerably higher than the rate for adults in New York State (27%). Early intervention may be required to prevent long-term consequences of obesity-related morbidity and mortality.
The economical impact of pain

Pain afflicts about 20% of adults globally. The source of pain ranges from a variety of health conditions, including arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine, fibromyalgia, back pain, cancer and chronic pain. Pain is very costly to society and individuals . It typically requires costly ongoing medical treatment and increases the costs of treating other health conditions. In addition to medical care costs, pain has indirect costs because it reduces labor market productivity through presenteeism and absenteeism. Workers with pain are sometimes unable to function at their full capabilities. Also, pain can cause workers to missed days or reduce their participation in the labor market from full-time- to part time or even drop out of the labor market altogether. Gaskin and Richard (J Pain 13(8):715–724, 2012, [1]) estimated the annual cost of chronic and persistent pain in the United States ranged from $560 to $635 billion in 2010. Gustavsson et al. (Eur J Pain, 2012, [2]) estimated that on average adults in Sweden incurred an annual costs of medical care due to chronic pain conditions of €2650 and loss annually €6429 in labor market productivity. This study reviews estimates of the costs of pain across a variety of countries and for several conditions that cause pain. The bottom line is pain regardless of the country or condition is costly.
Post-Neurosurgical Temporal Deformities: Various Techniques for Correction and Associated Complications.

Introduction An irregular craniofacial contour along the temporal fossa, known commonly as 'temporal hollowing deformity,' (THD) can arise from multiple etiologies. In fact, up to half of all patients who undergo neurosurgical pterional dissections develop some form of temporal contour deformities. Unfortunately, temporal hollowing correction remains surgically challenging with many techniques resulting in high rates of failure and/or morbidity. Methods Herein, we describe anatomy contributing to postsurgical temporal deformity as well as time-tested prevention and surgical correction techniques. In addition, a review of 25 articles summarizing various techniques and complication profiles associated with temporal hollowing correction are presented. Results Complications included infection, implant malposition, revision surgery, pain, and implant removal because of implant-related complications Augmentation with either autologous fat or dermal filler is associated with the highest number of reported complications, including catastrophic events such as stroke, pulmonary embolism, and death. No such complications were reported with use of alloplastic material, use of autologous bone, or free tissue transfer. Furthermore, careful attention to adequate temporalis muscle resuspension and position remain paramount for stable restoration of craniofacial symmetry. Conclusions Catastrophic complications were associated with injection augmentation of both fat and dermal filler in the temporal region. In contrast, use of alloplastic materials was not found to be associated with any catastrophic complications. As such, for the most severe cases of THD, we prefer to employ alloplastic reconstruction.
Pulse Oximetry Targets in Extremely Premature Infants and Associated Mortality: One-Size May Not Fit All.

Oxygen saturation targets in premature infants have been investigated in multiple international randomized controlled trials. Some trials have shown increased mortality with targeting lower (85% to 89%) compared to higher (91% to 95%) oxygen saturation ranges, while others have not. We will review the mortality outcomes of the largest multi-centered trials and a post hoc study that observed increased mortality at lower target ranges among small for gestational age infants. The planned Neonatal Oxygen Prospective Meta-analysis (NeOProM) collaborative will hopefully provide further insight into patient-specific risks, which include growth status. Journal of Nature and Science (JNSCI), 4(6):e508, 2018
STATIC AND DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF PILE FOUNDATIONS

Analysis of pile foundations is accomplished by calculation of the stiffness influence coefficients. Piling loads and deflections can be determined, as well as the principal frequencies. Axial and torsional elastic constants for a pile may be adjusted to the physical problem; the torsional constant has negligible effect and may usually be neglected. The elastic constants dependent on bending may be derived in several ways including tests or physical models based on an assumed behavior of the system such as: a semi-infinite beam on an elastic foundation, a free cantilever fixed at an assumed depth, or as a free cantilever fixed to a semi-infinite beam on an elastic foundation. The stiffness influence coefficients may be formed from simple matrices defining elastic constants and position or from a list of equations.