cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conformational Analysis of Escherichia coli 30S Ribosomes Containing the Single-Base Mutations G530U, U1498G, G1401C, and C1501G and the Double-Base Mutation G1401C/C1501G †

Biochemical and genetic studies have pointed out the importance of several sites in 16S ribosomal RNA of Escherichia coli in the decoding process. These sites consist of the core of the decoding center (1400/1500 region) and two other segments (530 and 1050/1200 regions). To detect a possible structural link between these functionally related regions, we analyzed their sensitivity to conformational changes induced by mutations which are located in each of these regions and are known to affect the decoding process. The conformations of five segments of 16S rRNA (1-106, 406-569, 780-978, 997-1247, and 1334-1519) were analyzed by chemical probing of 30S ribosomes containing the following mutations: G530U, U1498G, G1401C, C1501G, and G1401C/C1501G. Ribosomes reconstituted with natural wild-type 16S RNA showed only minor conformational differences with respect to ribosomes isolated from cells. When 16S RNA made in vitro replaced natural 16S RNA, a slightly looser conformation of the central core region was found. Mutant ribosomes made by reconstitution with mutant 16S RNA made in vitro showed conformational effects which were in all cases localized to the region of secondary structure surrounding the site of mutation. Although the core of the decoding center (1400/1500 region) and the two other sites (530 and 1050/1200 regions) participating in the decoding function have been functionally linked, our data indicate that they are structurally independent. They also provide evidence for an unusual structure of the 1400/1500 decoding center, possibly involving noncanonical interactions. Furthermore, the absence of any conformational effect induced by the G530U mutation except at the site of mutation itself points to its direct, as opposed to indirect, involvement in the decoding function of the ribosome.
On the λY calculus

The λY calculus is the simply typed λ calculus augmented with the fixed point operators. We show three results about λY: (a) the word problem is undecidable, (b) weak normalisability is decidable, and (c) higher type fixed point operators are not definable from fixed point operators at smaller types.
Effect of Forward and Backward Compatibility of Solder Paste and Component Finish on Fine-Pitch Component Assemblies Using ENIG and IMAG PWB Finishes

The primary objective of this experimental research is to understand the common issues faced in a manufacturing environment that assembles products containing a variety of fine-pitch devices. The testing phase of the research, relates to characterizing the thermo-mechanical integrity of surface mount mixed (Sn-Pb & lead-free) assembly solder joints. The investigation involves both forward and backward compatibility in electronics assemblies on Pb-free PWB surface finishes. A full factorial design is used in the investigation, with 3 factors — solder paste, component finish and PWB surface finish. Eutectic Sn-Pb paste (63–37% wt) and SAC305 (Sn 3.0%Ag0.5%Cu) paste are used as Pb-containing and Pb-free levels respectively. For component finish metallization, Sn-Pb termination finish/bump composition is used for Pb-containing level while Sn termination/SAC 405 bump composition represents the Pb-free level. Immersion Silver (ImAg) and Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold (ENIG) surface finish on printed wiring board (PWB) is used for testing and analysis. The testing was aimed at providing results for a wide variety of fine-pitch components commonly used in surface mount solder assemblies. Hence, a PWB containing flip chip (0.4mm pitch), Ultra chip scale package (UCSP), micro-lead frame (MLF) or quad flat pack no-lead (QFN), thin small outline package (TSOP −0.5 mm pitch) and plastic ball grid array (PBGA −1156 I/O and 256 I/O −1 mm pitch) devices was designed and used for testing. The test vehicle also includes resistors (0201, 0402 & 0603). The stencil thickness and openings were selected to accommodate both the large PBGA (1156 I/O) and finer pitch components. The reflow profile was designed taking into account the component maximum temperature exposure limitations, due to non-uniformity in heating, determined from thermocouples during initial assembly. Lessons learned from the design, reflow process optimization and manufacturing are presented in this paper. The solder joints were subjected to isothermal aging followed by mechanical shock test, attempting to establish a relationship between the intermetallic growth at the solder/PWB interface and the mechanical integrity of the solder joint. The compounding of test, unlike singular test methods, provides a more realistic estimate of the reliability and life of the joint in the field. The assemblies were cross-sectioned after the tests and the microstructure of the solder joints will be analyzed to study the intermetallic growth upon isothermal aging.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Children with congenital hypothyroidism are at risk of adult obesity due to early adiposity rebound.

Summary objective There is some evidence that children with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) are heavier than their reference population. There are few data on adults with CH. The timing of adiposity rebound (AR) in childhood has been shown to have strong correlations with adult obesity. Our aims were to study the timing of AR and factors affecting AR in children with CH. patients and methods The timing of AR was examined in a retrospective study of children with CH with growth data at least up to 5 years of age. The proportion of children with CH who reached AR by 37 months and by 49 months of age were compared with healthy children and children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) described in the literature. Correlation of timing of AR with body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (SDS) at 10 years, initial severity of hypothyroidism and age at normalization of TSH were examined. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify independent factors associated with BMI ≥ 20 (overweight) at 10 years of age. results The study included 53 children (34 females and 19 males). AR had occurred by 37 months in 37·7% children with CH, in 42·7% children treated for ALL (CH vs. ALL, P = 0·58) and in 4·5% healthy British children (CH vs. normal, P < 0·0001). We found that 54·7% children with CH had reached AR compared with 21·4% of normal children (CH vs. normal, P < 0·0001) by the age of 49 months. Timing of AR showed significant negative correlation with BMI SDS at 10 years (r =−0·487, P = 0·01). There were no significant relationships between timing of AR and initial thyroid function or age at normalization of TSH. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified age at AR as an independent factor associated with BMI ≥ 20 at 10 years of age (P = 0·04). conclusions Children with CH showed significantly earlier AR compared to normal British children. This showed significant negative correlation with BMI SDS at 10 years. AR in CH does not appear to be directly related to the initial severity of hypothyroidism or to treatment factors.
High Velocity Impact Properties Characterization of Nano-Phased Bi-Layered Body Armor

It has been already established by different investigators that addition of nano-reinforcements to plastics and fibers further enhances the mechanical and thermal properties of these materials. In this investigation, we have tested a bi-layer composite armor made of a ceramic layer and a nano-reinforcement infused epoxy layer. Our objective is to determine whether the infusion of nano-reinforcements in an epoxy layer enhances the ballistic properties of this bi-layer armor system. This bi-layered armor which was made of an alumina layer and a nano-infused epoxy layer was tested by a Fragment Simulating Projectile (FSP) method. Silica nanoparticles and multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) with a loading range of 0–1wt% were used for this purpose. Armors having the same thickness but made of only a single pure ceramic layer and a bi-layer composite made of a ceramic layer and a neat epoxy layer were also tested for comparison purposes. A gas gun with high velocity projectile was used to perform the experiment. A striking velocity of about 400m/s was used to hit the target armor plate. The striking velocity of the projectile was obtained by maintaining a breach end pressure of helium gas in the gas gun at about 500 psi. The striking velocity was chosen at a level which was well above the ballistic limits of the armor materials. A finite element analysis was also performed to evaluate the ballistic properties of the composite armor and to compare those with the experimental data. Numerical and experimental results for the residual velocity of the piercing bullets were found to be in good agreement. Details of the experimental and numerical data are presented in this paper.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Auditory retention ability in five year old lower and middle class children: A pilot study

Abstract Two groups of five year old children, with 24 children from the middle class and 24 children from the lower socio-economic class, were administered the digit-span retention test and a sentence test incorporating high-value words. The former test revealed distinct differences between the two groups of children, whereas on the latter test, both groups performed similarly. It is suggested that the digit-span test score may not truly reflect the language retentive ability of so-called disadvantaged and retarded children.
Candidate Performance Measures for Screening for, Assessing, and Treating Unhealthy Substance Use in Hospitals: Advocacy or Evidence-Based Practice?

The Joint Commission recently proposed candidate performance measures addressing unhealthy substance use in hospitalized patients. The proposed measures of screening and brief intervention (SBI) assume that interventions that work in one setting (primary care outpatient practice) would work in another (hospital); treatment would have the same benefits for persons identified by screening as for those with symptoms who seek help; treatments that work for persons less severely affected by substance use would also work for those with more severe illness; and an approach that works for nondependent, unhealthy alcohol use would work for drug use. However, these assumptions extrapolate evidence of the effectiveness of SBI for primary care outpatients with nondependent, unhealthy alcohol use to the inpatient setting, persons with dependence, and other substances. Although quality of care for unhealthy substance use in all medical settings needs to improve, the evidence base for SBI in the hospital is too limited for the implementation of performance measures assessing this care.
The development of an amperometric microbial biosensor using Acetobacter pasteurianus for lactic acid

A microbial biosensor, using Acetobacter pasteurianus cells and an oxygen electrode, was developed for the determination of lactic acid. The bacterial cells were retained on a nylon membrane and attached to the surface of the oxygen electrode. In view of response time, stability and sensitivity, the biosensor performed best at 26°C and in pH 6 phthalate buffer containing magnesium sulfate. The activity of the retained cells was stable for approximately 170 h and was regenerable. The biosensor exhibited a hyperbolic response to both D- and L-lactic acid in the range of 10−4 M to 25 × 10−3 M. However, in the range 10−4 M to 15 × 10−4 M the response was linear. The microbial biosensor was applicable for detecting lactate concentration in yogurt and milk, since it was not sensitive to lactose, sucrose and glucose — three major components of such dairy products.
Modular organization of motor behavior in the frog's spinal cord

The complex issue of translating the planning of arm movements into muscle forces is discussed in relation to the recent discovery of structures in the spinal cord. These structures contain circuitry that, when activated, produce precisely balanced contractions in groups of muscles. These synergistic contractions generate forces that direct the limb toward an equilibrium point in space. Remarkably, the force outputs, produced by activating different spinal-cord structures, sum vectorially. This vectorial combination of motor outputs might be a mechanism for producing a vast repertoire of motor behaviors in a simple manner.
An Experimental Study of AJAX Application Performance

An experimental study compared the performance of a real-life HTML application and an AJAX application that implemented the same user interface. A statistically significant number of trials were used to collect data on the performance of each when presented with the same tasks. Response size and service time performance measures were computed for the applications. AJAX provided significant performance increase in response size, thereby reducing bandwidth requirements. A typical user would see a performance increase in the response size of 55%. AJAX provided a mean service time improvement of approximately 16%. A typical user’s service time would improve by 21%.
Suboceanic Geodetic Measurements

This paper reviews the needs for geodetic ties among seafloor points and between such points and others on land, as well as the environmental constraints on potential systems for making such measurements. Underwater acoustic techniques provide the best opportunities, and an essential element on which to build acoustic systems-a precision-transponder system capable of making travel-time measurements over ranges of several kilometers with an accuracy of a few microseconds-is described. Finally, three particular systems are discussed. One uses direct transmission between transponders to achieve one part in 105 accuracy over ranges from a few meters to about a kilometer. The second, using a larger transponder network and an intermediate vehicle, can achieve similar accuracy over ranges up to about 10 km. The third is a composite acoustic global positioning system (GPS) which should be able to achieve subdecimeter accuracy over ranges of a few hundred kilometers.
Detecting and managing change in spatial data-land use and infrastructure change analysis and detection

In an effort to improve the accuracy, currency, and maintainability of spatial databases, technologies are needed to provide efficient, cost-effective land use change detection and feature extraction capabilities. A hybrid change detection methodology was explored as an initial process in a systematic multiresolution approach that separates areas of change from areas of no change. Change detection methods employed in the exploration of a hybrid change detection methodology were univariate image differencing, image ratioing, tasseled cap analysis, vegetation indexing, change vector analysis and post-classification thematic change detection. Textural analysis was then employed as a method for further refinement of change detection outputs to eliminate unwanted errors of commission. The results of the proposed hybrid change detection method show promise, and continued research is proposed to improve results
Use of Exclusion by a Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) During Speech Perception and Auditory-Visual Matching-to-Sample

An adult female chimpanzee showed responding through use of exclusion in an auditory to visual matching-to-sample procedure. The chimpanzee had previously learned to associate specific visuographic symbols called lexigrams with real world referents and the spoken English words and photographs for those referents. On some trials, an unknown spoken English word was presented as the sample, and the match choices could consist of photographs or lexigrams that already were associated with known English words as well as unknown lexigrams or photos of objects without associated lexigrams. The chimpanzee reliably avoided choosing known comparisons for these unknown samples, instead relying on exclusion to choose comparisons that were of unknown lexigrams or photographs of items without associated lexigram symbols.
Stress-Related Mucosal Disease: Risk Factors and Prophylactic Therapy

Background: The term stress-related mucosal disease (SRMD) represents a continuum of conditions ranging from stress-related injury (superficial mucosal damage) to stress ulcers (focal deep mucosal damage). Caused by mucosal ischemia, SRMD is most commonly seen in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Prophylaxis of stress ulcers may reduce major bleeding but has not yet been shown to improve survival. Objectives: This article reviews currently available agents for the prophylaxis of SRMD and discusses their uses and potential adverse effects. Methods: Relevant articles in the English-language literature were identified through a MEDLINE search (1968‐2003) using the key words stress-related mucosal disease, stress-related injury, ulcer, prophylaxis, intensive care unit, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Results: The most widely used drugs for stress-related injury are the intravenous histamine 2 ‐receptor antagonists. These drugs raise gastric pH but are associated with the development of tolerance and possible drug interactions and neurologic manifestations. Sucralfate, which can be administered by the nasogastric route, can protect the gastric mucosa without raising pH, but may decrease the absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications. The prostaglandin misoprostol has not been shown to be of benefit in the prophylaxis of SRMD. Antacids lower the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, but large volumes of antacids are required and treatment is labor intensive. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most potent acid-suppressive pharmacologic agents available. Esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole substantially raise gastric pH for up to 24 hours after a single dose. The availability of an intravenous formulation of pantoprazole may help improve the treatment of SRMD in ICU patients, particularly those receiving mechanical ventilation. Tolerance does not develop, and few adverse effects have been reported. Conclusions: Recent studies of PPIs have shown promising results in high-risk patients, making this class of drugs an option for the prophylaxis of SRMD. (Clin Ther. 2004;26:197‐213) Copyright © 2004 Excerpta Medica, Inc.
A C++ Framework for Conducting High-Speed, Long-Term Particle Tracking Simulations

For the purpose of conducting parallel, long-term tracking studies of storage rings such as the ones descriped in [3], [4], maximum execution speed is essential. We describe an approach involving metaprogramming techniques in C++ which results in execution speeds rivaling hand-optimized assembler code for a particular tracking lattice while retaining the generality and flexibility of an all-purpose tracking code.
Transcriptional analysis of the 5' terminus of the flp fimbrial gene cluster from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans.

Fresh isolates of the oral bacterial pathogen Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans exhibit a fimbriated, rough colony phenotype. Evidence suggests that the fimbrial subunit gene flp is part of a cluster of 14 genes (flp to tadG) thought to encode proteins involved in the synthesis, assembly and export of these fimbriae. To determine the transcriptional organization of the 5′ terminus of this gene cluster, total RNA from rough and smooth phenotype variants of A. actinomycetemcomitans strain 283 were analysed by RT-PCR. Primers designed to amplify regions spanning gene junctions or multiple genes yielded amplicons at each individual gene junction from flp to tadD for both the rough and smooth variants. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR of the rcpA to tadZ amplicon revealed that significantly more mRNA was transcribed from the rough than the smooth variant. Longer amplicons encompassing flp to tadZ (3·9 kb) and tadA to tadD (2·1 kb) were also detected, but only from the rough variant. Rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) was used to identify the 5′ end of the mRNA containing flp. Antisense primers located within rcpC, orfB and flp-2 enabled amplification of a RACE product that was subsequently isolated and subcloned into pGEM-T. DNA sequencing indicated that the 5′ end of the mRNA was located at a G or T nucleotide −102 to −101 nt upstream of flp. Corresponding σ70 consensus sequences were located at −10 (TATAAT) and −35 (TTGCAT) relative to the transcription start site. These data confirm that the flp gene cluster is an operon transcribed as a polycistronic message commencing from a G or T nucleotide located in the intergenic region upstream of flp. Promoter function of the flp upstream region was confirmed using a lacZ reporter gene construct transformed into Escherichia coli. RT-PCR analysis further suggests that although transcription does occur in both the rough and smooth variants, full-length transcripts are rapidly degraded or are significantly downregulated in the smooth variant.
Damping inter-area oscillations by UPFCs based on selected global measurements

This paper introduces a method of using a selected set of the global data for controlling inter-area oscillations of the power network using unified power flow controllers. This novel algorithm utilizes reduced order observers for estimating the missing data the purpose of control when all the data is unavailable through frequency measurements in a wide area control approach. The paper will also address the problem of time-delay in data acquisition through examples.
Phenotype-Specific CpG Island Methylation Events in a Murine Model of Prostate Cancer

Aberrant DNA methylation plays a significant role in nearly all human cancers and may contribute to disease progression to advanced phenotypes. Study of advanced prostate cancer phenotypes in the human disease is hampered by limited availability of tissues. We therefore took advantage of the Transgenic Adenocarcinoma of Mouse Prostate (TRAMP) model to study whether three different phenotypes of TRAMP tumors (PRIM, late-stage primary tumors; AIP, androgen-independent primary tumors; and MET, metastases) displayed specific patterns of CpG island hypermethylation using Restriction Landmark Genomic Scanning. Each tumor phenotype displayed numerous hypermethylation events, with the most homogeneous methylation pattern in AIP and the most heterogeneous pattern in MET. Several loci displayed a phenotype-specific methylation pattern; the most striking pattern being loci methylated at high frequency in PRIM and AIP but rarely in MET. Examination of the mRNA expression of three genes, BC058385, Goosecoid, and Neurexin 2, which exhibited nonpromoter methylation, revealed increased expression associated with downstream methylation. Only methylated samples showed mRNA expression, in which tumor phenotype was a key factor determining the level of expression. The CpG island in the human orthologue of BC058385 was methylated in human AIP but not in primary androgen-stimulated prostate cancer or benign prostate. The clinical data show a proof-of-principle that the TRAMP model can be used to identify targets of aberrant CpG island methylation relevant to human disease. In conclusion, phenotype-specific hypermethylation events were associated with the overexpression of different genes and may provide new markers of prostate tumorigenesis.
Excimer laser-facilitated coronary angioplasty. Relative risk analysis of acute and follow-up results in 200 patients.

BACKGROUNDExcimer laser coronary angioplasty has been reported to be a promising treatment for complex coronary artery disease. The purpose of this study was to define the predictors of acute success and restenosis after this experimental intervention.METHODS AND RESULTSA cohort of 200 consecutive patients had a minimum of 6 months of follow-up evaluation after treatment of 215 coronary stenoses that were carefully selected for excimer laser coronary angioplasty. At the time of the initial procedure, the laser catheter alone produced a residual stenosis of less than or equal to 50% at 119 of 215 lesions (55.4%). For complete dilatation, 87.9% of the lesions required adjunctive balloon angioplasty. Clinical success was achieved in 183 of the 200 patients (91.5%), as indicated by a reduction by at least 20% of the narrowing of the vessel diameter, less than or equal to 50% residual stenosis, and no in-hospital complication. Complications included abrupt closure (5.0%), myocardial infarction (3.5%), bypass s...
Effect of High-Dose Intravenous Immunoglobulin on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Multifocal Motor Neuropathy

Objective: To determine if high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy is effective in improving muscle strength or in arresting the pace of disease progression in patients with rapidly progressive amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Design: An open-label pilot study of intravenous infusions of high-dose immunoglobulin administered once a month for 3 months in nine patients with classic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Selected patients had a rapidly progressive course with signs of worsening noticeably evident every 6 weeks prior to therapy. A patient with multifocal motor neuropathy with conduction block that presented as a lower motor neuron syndrome was concurrently treated to document the efficacy of the same preparation of immunoglobulin in a potentially treatable disease that simulates lower motor neuron syndrome. The efficacy of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin infusions was assessed by objective measurement of maximum voluntary isometric contraction in all muscle groups of two limbs before and after therapy. Setting: The Clinical Center of the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. Results: All patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis worsened during the study. By the end of the third month, their mean total muscle scores (megascores) had declined by 71.2 points, from a mean of 369.7 (range, 200 to 605) to 298.5 (range, 130 to 552) points. The pace of progression did not change during the 4-month observation period. In contrast, the patient with multifocal motor neuropathy responded to intravenous immunoglobulin therapy and increased his megascores by 146 points after 3 months. The GM1antibody titers were normal in all the patients. Conclusions: High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin, a prohibitively expensive drug, has no apparent therapeutic role in improving the symptoms or arresting the pace of progression in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In contrast, multifocal motor neuropathy is an immunopathologically different disease that responds to intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.
Vibration studies of the Stanford Linear Accelerator

Vibration measurements of the linear accelerator structures in the SLC linac show a 1 micron RMS vertical motion. This motion reduces to 0.2 micron RMS motion when the cooling water to the accelerator structures is turned off. The quadrupoles have 250 nanometer RMS vertical motion with the accelerator structure cooling water on and 60 nanometer motion with it off. These results together with measurements of the correlations as a function of frequency between the motions of various components are presented.
Long-term results of combined modality therapy in primary bone lymphomas.

Abstract Purpose: To report the Massachusetts General Hospital experience in the management of patients with primary bone lymphoma (PBL) treated with combined modality therapy (CMT). Methods and Materials: Records from 37 eligible patients were reviewed. Two patients were treated with complete resection of the tumor, while 35 patients underwent radiation therapy with a median total dose of 54 Gy (range 38.35–66.5). All patients received combination chemotherapy, which contained doxorubicin in 33 cases. We compared the current data with our previous experience in patients treated with local measures only. Results: Actuarial disease-free survival (DFS) at 5 and 10 years is 78% and 73%, respectively, while overall survival (OS) is 91% and 87%, respectively. No local failures were seen. Pathologic fracture at presentation influenced DFS ( p = 0.005) and OS ( p = 0.017) adversely. OS was compromised in patients older than 60 years ( p = 0.059) and DFS in patients with pelvic primaries ( p = 0.015). CMT was associated with improved DFS ( p = 0.0008) and OS ( p = 0.0001) compared to our historical controls. Ten patients (27%) developed complications requiring orthopedic procedures following completion of therapy at a median of 25.5 months (range 4–228). Conclusion: Patients with PBL have a favorable outcome with CMT, which appears superior to radiation therapy alone. Late complications can be seen, especially in weight-bearing bones.
Optical Nanosensors Based on DNA-Coated Single Carbon Nanotubes for Biomolecular Detection

DNA-coated individual single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) attract research attention as bio-sensors because they have unique optical properties of discrete near-infrared fluorescence. The optical characteristics of SWNTs are attributed to the one-dimensional quantum confinement which also renders SWNTs extremely sensitive to environmental changes. In this work, we investigated optical modulation of DNA-coated SWNTs upon binding to target molecules, and explored the observed phenomena for biomolecular sensing applications. We used insulin-binding aptamer to recognize a molecular target (insulin) with high specificity and sensitivity, by forming a unique secondary structure of guanine quadruplex. We also examined SWNT interactions with insulin based on optical transduction using a novel single SWNT spectroscopy. Based on the quenching of insuiln-binding aptamer-coated SWNT photoluminescence with insulin, we developed the simple biosensor for detection of insulin.
A new variational principle for dissipative systems with reverse time scales

Conventional Lagrangian functions L=L (t,q,q) are replaced by more general ones, L=L (t, q(t), q(t), q(t*), q(t*)), which depend on generalized coordinates q and velocities q as functions of time measured along two reverse scales: t runs from 0 to T, while t*=T-t runs from T to 0. Generalized Lagrangian and Hamiltonian equations are derived, and applied to linear reciprocal systems with constant parameters. This formalism incorporates the dissipation effortlessly, which is the main reason for this development. The method obviates the need for an image (adjoint) system and attendant doubling of generalized coordinates, and leads to a new class of meaningful conservation laws. >
Activity and responsiveness of the renin-angiotensin system in the aging rat

The systemic renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is suppressed in normal aging, but the activity of the tissue RAS is not well defined. We examined the systemic and intrarenal RAS status of aging normal rats and responses to suppression and stimulation of the production of endogenous ANG II. Studies were performed in young (3 mo) and early aging (15 mo) male Sprague-Dawley rats. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors modestly decreased mean arterial pressure (MAP) in young (3 mo) and early aging (15 mo) rats and limited proteinuria in the older rats. There were no significant age-related effects on renal function or on endogenous RAS activity. Intravenous infusion of the precursor ANG I led to comparable increases in MAP in younger and older rats. In contrast, the renal effects (reduction in glomerular filtration and plasma flow rates) were exaggerated in the older animals. Intrarenal arterial ANG I did not affect MAP in any group. In young rats, there were no significant hemodynamic effects in either the ipsilateral (infused) or the contralateral (noninfused) kidney. In the older rats, both kidneys had a significant fall in renal renal plasma flow rate (RPF) with left renal arterial infusion of ANG I. Accordingly, these studies early in the course of aging found only subtle changes in the activity, responsiveness, and metabolism of the RAS. Thus early aging is associated with a modest but important increase in sensitivity to RAS stimulation.
Quantifying Geometric Strain at the PbS QD-TiO2 Anode Interface and Its Effect on Electronic Structures

Quantum dots (QDs) show promise as the absorber in nanostructured thin film solar cells, but achieving high device efficiencies requires surface treatments to minimize interfacial recombination. In this work, lead sulfide (PbS) QDs are grown on a mesoporous TiO2 film with a crystalline TiO2 surface, versus one coated with an amorphous TiO2 layer by atomic layer deposition (ALD). These mesoporous TiO2 films sensitized with PbS QDs are characterized by X-ray and electron diffraction, as well as X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) in order to link XAS features with structural distortions in the PbS QDs. The XAS features are further analyzed with quantum simulations to probe the geometric and electronic structure of the PbS QD-TiO2 interface. We show that the anatase TiO2 surface structure induces PbS bond angle distortions, which increases the energy gap of the PbS QDs at the interface.
Deformation and Failure Processes Operating in Ultra-Fine Grain Metals

Nanograined metallic materials typically have higher yield and tensile strength, lower stiffness and better resistance to environmental degradation and wear than their large-grained analogs. We currently lack an understanding of how the fundamental deformation processes change as a function of grain size and therefore we interpret the macroscopic response by scaling-down the processes that operate in large-grained systems. The disparity between model predictions and experiment suggest we have yet to include the necessary physical processes. Molecular dynamics computer simulations of deformation and failure processes in nanograined materials have been used extensively to determine the deformation processes. It has been suggested that for high stacking-fault energy materials such as Al, the deformation mode changes from perfect to partial dislocation processes at a grain size of about 18 nm and to grain boundary mediated processes at smaller grain sizes. A similar transition occurs in low stacking-fault energy materials except no perfect dislocations are involved in the deformation mechanism. These results have been summarized in the form of a deformation map[1]. Farkas et al.[2], using MD simulations, have shown that both intergranular and transgranular fracture can occur and that the fracture process is accompanied by dislocations and grain boundary mechanisms. Intergranular fracture occurs through the linkage of nanocracks that form at triple junctions. They also show that grain boundaries perpendicular to the crack propagation direction can arrest the crack. These deformation and failure processes remain to be validated experimentally.
A mobile health technology workshop to evaluate available technologies and their potential use in pharmacy practice

The objectives of this workshop were to characterise the use of mobile health (mHealth) devices among second year pharmacy students, discover perception of their potential use in practice and obtain workshop feedback. The workshop consisted of two sessions. The first session introduced the concept of mHealth and allowed for hands-on experience with wireless mHealth devices such as blood pressure cuffs, scales and smart body analysers, personal health devices and glucometers. The second session consisted of a facilitated discussion and lecture that addressed these concepts. Students completed a preworkshop and postworkshop survey. 106 students completed the preworkshop survey and 96 students completed the postworkshop survey. 22% of the class owned an mHealth device and a majority of students reported increased knowledge of mobile health devices due to this simulation. The workshop was successful in introducing mHealth technology. The change in students’ perception that such devices could be useful in practice or easily incorporated could be due to technical difficulties and cost of the devices.
Rites of Rebellion, Rites of Assent: Celebrations, Print Culture, and the Origins of American Nationalism

During the past decade a great change has occurred in the way American historians see parades and other celebratory rituals. No longer do parades merely provide seductive introductory vignettes and grace the dust jackets of community studies: what had been a window is now at the center of the frame. Festivity itself has become a subject of analysis, a place we look for the articulation of ethnicity, class, gender, and nationality. The public conflict and the consensus building that characterized nineteenthand twentieth-century American public life were not merely brought into view by festivals; parades were more than "representations of the nineteenthcentury social order." Rather, politics -and group formation -were consciously and effectively practiced in these richly symbolic activities.' Despite all the recent attention to public ritual and performance in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the role of celebratory activities in the revolutionary era -indeed, their crucial part in the invention of American nationhood -has been largely neglected. This is somewhat surprising, especially when we consider that students of the American Revolution have long appreciated the political importance of rituals for the prerevolutionary colonial resistance movement of the 1760s and early 1770s. What is lacking in the historiography of the Revolution is not an appreciation of festivity as a site of local political action, of conflict and consensus. It is rather an understanding of the relationship between local street theater and the nation: a relationship that came into being through the mediation of print.2
Anaesthesia for day case surgery

Patient selection is critical for safe and efficient day case surgery. Selection should be based on medical, social and surgical factors. Better communication between surgeon, anaesthetist and general practitioner is essential in achieving appropriate selection. A variety of patient factors affect the incidence of postoperative complications (Table 3). Pre-operative evaluation requires a history and physical examination, with special investigations if clinically indicated. Laboratory tests should only be used to screen selected sub-populations (Table 4). Many patients are anxious prior to surgery. Benzodiazepines combine anxiolysis with sedation and amnesia, and agents with short half-lives (temazepam, midazolam) do not delay recovery or discharge. Temazepam is a useful oral premedicant, and parenteral midazolam has a rapid onset in patients for whom logistical factors (e.g. transportation delays, rescheduling of cases) prevent oral premedication.
Biology and Control of a Root-feeding Mealybug on Saintpaulia

Rhizoecus pritchardi McKenzie has within the past 2 years become a serious pest of the African violet, Saintpaulia ionanthia , in the eastern United States. This species (If root-feeding mealybug was reared under laboratory conditions. Two to 4 months were required to complete a generation. The adult female (no males were observed) is ovoviviparous and gives birth to an average of 54 young. Effective sanitation practices supplemented with applications of aldrin or endrin provided satisfactory control.
EFFECTS OF STATIN THERAPY ON CORONARY PLAQUE MORPHOLOGY IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME VERSUS STABLE ANGINA PECTORIS

Large clinical trials demonstrated the benefit of statin therapy in both patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and stable angina pectoris (SAP). However, the vascular response to statin therapy in relation to the clinical presentation is largely unknown. Sixty-nine patients (55 ACS, 14 SAP)
Analysis on malaria surveillance in Henan Province from 2005 to 2010

Objective To analyze the surveillance status of malaria in Henan province from 2005 to 2010, and provide scientific basis for the formulation and adjustment of malaria prevention and control measures. Methods Based on malaria surveillance program, used conventional techniques and methods to conduct continuous surveillance in Pingqiao, Tongbai, Tanghe, Dengzhou and Yongcheng. Results Totally 391264 person-time blood examinations were conducted, among them, 6197 were found as malaria positive, the average positive rate was 1.58%.3207 anopheles were captured, 3104 were Anopheles sinensis, 103 were Anopheles anthropophagus. Indirect fluorescent antibody detection detected 7453 persons, 310 were positive, the positive rate overall was 4.16%. The survey on mosquito facilities in households was carried in 31620 families, 121968 persons. The ratio of family using the screened, mosquito nets, mosquito-repellent incense, insecticide were 41.02%, 75.30%, 50.73%, 31.69%, every 1.8 people had 1 net averagely. Conclusion Surveillance is of great importance at the late stage of "basic elimination of malaria".
Flow cytometric analysis of DNA content in lung cancer

DNA index (DI) was studied with flow cytometry in surgical samples from 35 patients with lung cancer, 10 patients with benign lesions, 10 normal persons. The results showed that DI of lung cancer is significantly higher than that of benign pathological lesion and normal lung (P < 0.001). Aneuploid lung cancer was 88.57%, diploid was 11.43%. The DNA content of benign and normal lung was diploid. In the meantime, A significant positive correlation between the lung cancer DI and histopathological grade and cancer cell type was also observed, but there is not correlation between the TNM staging and lung cancer DI. Our results suggest that the flow cytometric analysis of DNA is useful for clinical pathologic diagnosis of lung cancer.
Solid-Phase Fractionation Strategies Applied to Proteomics Investigations

Methods for protein fractionation in the proteomics investigation field are relatively numerous. They apply to the prefractionation of the sample to obtain less complex protein mixtures for an easier analysis; they are also used as a means to evidence specific proteins or protein classes otherwise impossible to detect. They involve depletion of high-abundance proteins suppressing the signal of dilute species; they are also capable to enhance the detectability of low-abundance species while concomitantly decreasing the concentration of abundant proteins such as albumin in serum and hemoglobin in red blood cell lysates. Fractionation of proteomes is also used for the isolation of targeted species that are selected for their different expression under certain pathological conditions and that are detected by mass spectrometry. Two unconventional methods of large interest in proteomics due to the low level of protein redundancy between fractions are also reported.All these methods are reviewed and detailed method given to allow specialists of proteomics investigation to access selected separation methods generally dispersed on different technical reviews or books.
Condensation and esterification reactions of alkanals, alkanones, and alkanols on TiO2: Elementary steps, site requirements, and synergistic effects of bifunctional strategies

Abstract Rates and selectivity of TiO 2 -catalyzed condensation of C 3 oxygenates (propanal, acetone) are limited by ubiquitous effects of side reactions, deactivation, and thermodynamic bottlenecks. H 2 together with a Cu function, present as physical mixtures with TiO 2 , circumvents such hurdles by scavenging unsaturated intermediates. They also render alkanols and alkanals/alkanones equivalent as reactants through rapid interconversion, while allowing esterification turnovers by dehydrogenating unstable hemiacetals. Oxygenates form molecules with new C C and C O bonds and fewer O-atoms at nearly complete conversions with stable rates and selectivities. Kinetic, isotopic, and theoretical methods showed that rates are limited by α-C H cleavage from carbonyl reactants to form enolate intermediates, which undergo C C coupling with another carbonyl species to form α,β-unsaturated oxygenates or with alkanols to form hemiacetals with new C O bonds, via an intervening H-shift that forms alkoxide–alkanal pairs. Titrations with 2,6-di-tert-butylpyridine, pyridine, CO 2 , and propanoic acid during catalysis showed that Lewis acid–base site pairs of moderate strength mediate enolate formation steps via concerted interactions with the α-H atom and the enolate moiety at transition states. The resulting site-counts allow rigorous comparisons between theory and experiments and among catalysts on the basis of turnover rates and activation free energies. Theoretical treatments give barriers, kinetic isotope effects, and esterification/condensation ratios in excellent agreement with experiments and confirm the strong effects of reactant substituents at the α-C-atom and of surface structure on reactivity. Surfaces with Ti O Ti sites exhibiting intermediate acid–base strength and Ti O distances, prevalent on anatase but not rutile TiO 2 , are required for facile α-C H activation in reactants and reprotonation of the adsorbed intermediates that mediate condensation and esterification turnovers.
Frailty Assessment in Hospitalized Older Adults Using the Electronic Health Record.

Introduction:Frailty, a clinical syndrome of decreased physiologic reserve and dysregulation in multiple physiologic systems, is associated with increased risk for adverse outcomes.Purpose:The aim of this retrospective, cross-sectional, correlational study was to characterize frailty in older adults admitted to a tertiary-care hospital using a biopsychosocial frailty assessment and to determine associations between frailty and time to in-hospital mortality and 30-day rehospitalization.Methods:The sample included 278 patients ≥55 years old admitted to medicine units. Frailty was determined using clinical data from the electronic health record (EHR) for symptoms, syndromes, and conditions and laboratory data for four serum biomarkers. A frailty risk score (FRS) was created from 16 risk factors, and relationships between the FRS and outcomes were examined.Results:The mean age of the sample was 70.2 years and mean FRS was 9.4 (SD, 2.2). Increased FRS was significantly associated with increased risk of death (...
Sourcebook on Violence Against Women, edited by Claire M. Renzetti, Jeffrey L. Edleson, and Raquel K. Bergen: (2011). Second Edition. Los Angeles, CA: Sage, 407 pages.

Violence against women has been found to be very much an age-related problem, with rates of both perpetration and victimization highest among young adults (Briedling, Black, & Ryan, 2008). Intimate...
Woodrow Wilson Versus Henry Cabot Lodge: The Battle over the League of Nations, 1918–1920

This chapter highlights the foreign policy conflict that centered on the question of whether the United States should join the League of Nations. The battle pitted President Woodrow Wilson, the primary architect of the League, against its leading opponent Senator Henry Cabot Lodge the Republican majority leader and chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. Lodge bested Wilson in this battle. The Treaty of Versailles, and with it the League of Nations, was rejected by the US Senate. As a result, the United States refused to play a role in preventing the conquest of Europe by Adolf Hitler during World War II until it was almost too late.
A National Strategy for Energy Efficient Industrial Motor-Driven Systems

Over 40 million electric motors convert electricity into useful work in U. S. manufacturing operations. Industry spends over $30 billion (US) annually on electricity dedicated to electric motor-driven systems. Because nearly 70% of all electricity used in industry is consumed by motor systems, increases in the energy efficiency of existing motor systems will lead to dramatic nationwide energy savings.
High-frequency jet ventilation for respiratory failure after congenital heart surgery.

Background. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is considered when respiratory failure (RF) persists despite increasing conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV). High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) can improve ventilation with comparable mean airway pressure (P AW ) to that found on CMV. This study was undertaken to determine whether FDFJV is an effective treatment and alternative to ECMO for RF after congenital heart surgery. Methods and Results. HFJV was instituted in nine patients ranging in age from 6 days to 3.3 years with congenital heart disease meeting pulmonary criteria for ECMO