cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genicular Nerve Anatomy and Its Implication for New Procedural Approaches for Knee Joint Denervation: A Cadaveric Study.

OBJECTIVE To verify the articular branch contributions in the human knee, delineate their anatomical variance, and outline the limitations of currently applied procedure protocols for denervation of the knee joint. DESIGN A detailed anatomical dissection. SETTING Cadavers in residence at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. SUBJECTS In total, 24 lower extremity specimens from 14 embalmed cadavers. METHODS Human cadaveric dissections were performed on 24 lower extremities from 14 embalmed cadavers. RESULTS This cadaveric study has demonstrated that the anterior knee receives sensory innervations from SMGN, SLGN, LRN, NVI, NVL, RFN, and IMGN. The courses of SMGN, SLGN, RFN, and IMGN are similar to recent anatomical studies. However, discrepancies exist in their relative anatomy to bony and radiographic landmarks. CONCLUSIONS Genicular denervation using classical anatomical landmarks may not be sufficient to treat the anterior knee joint pain. Our findings illustrate more accurate anatomic landmarks for the three-target paradigm and support additional targets for more complete genicular denervation. This cadaveric study provides robust anatomical findings that can provide a foundation for new anatomical landmarks and targets to improve genicular denervation outcomes.
Using Bayesian Models to Estimate Humpback Whale Entanglements in the United States West Coast Sablefish Pot Fishery

Protected species bycatch can be rare, making it difficult for fishery managers to develop unbiased estimates of fishing-induced mortality. To address this problem, we use Bayesian time-series models to estimate the bycatch of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), which have been documented only twice since 2002 by fishery observers in the U.S. West Coast sablefish pot fishery, once in 2014 and once in 2016. This model-based approach minimizes under- and over-estimation associated with using ratio estimators based only on intra-annual data. Other opportunistic observations of humpback whale entanglements have been reported in U.S. waters, but, because of spatio-temporal biases in these observations, they cannot be directly incorporated into the models. Notably, the Bayesian framework generates posterior predictive distributions for unobserved entanglements in addition to estimates and associated uncertainty for observed entanglements. The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service began using Bayesian time-series to estimate humpback whale bycatch in the U.S. West Coast sablefish pot fishery in 2019. That analysis resulted in estimates of humpback whale bycatch in the fishery that exceeded the previously anticipated bycatch limits. Those results, in part, contributed to a review of humpback whale entanglements in this fishery under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Building on the humpback whale example, we illustrate how the Bayesian framework allows for a wide range of commonly used distributions for generalized linear models, making it applicable to a variety of data and problems. We present sensitivity analyses to test model assumptions, and we report on covariate approaches that could be used when sample sizes are larger. Fishery managers anywhere can use these models to analyze potential outcomes for management actions, develop bycatch estimates in data-limited contexts, and guide mitigation strategies.
Variation in root exudate composition influences soil microbiome membership and function

Root exudation is one of the primary processes that mediate interactions between plant roots, microorganisms, and the soil matrix. Previous research has shown that plant root exudate profiles vary between species and genotypes which can likely support different microbial associations. Here, utilizing distinct sorghum genotypes as a model system, we characterized the chemical heterogeneity between root exudates and the effects of that variability on soil microbial membership and metabolisms. Distinct exudate chemical profiles were quantified and used to formulate synthetic root exudate treatments, a High Organic acid Treatment (HOT) and a High Sugar Treatment (HST). Root exudate treatments were added to laboratory soil reactors and 16S rRNA gene profiling illustrated distinct microbial membership in response to HST or HOT amendments. Alpha and beta diversity metrics were significantly different between treatments, (Shannon’s, p
Resisting Organizational Power

Normative ethical theory should provide us with guidance for how to live moral lives in a world filled with inequity and abuse of power. In this essay, I address ways that features of resisting organizational power do and do not overlap with features of resisting oppression more generally. I examine the potential for moral damage to individuals who resist organizational power, and argue that the traits necessary for successful whistleblowing are similar to what Lisa Tessman refers to as ‘burdened virtues’—they are necessary to successfully resisting organizational power, but ‘costly to the selves who bear them.’ I conclude by offering a preliminary sketch of the traits of a virtuous resister.
Ringworm species in eire

A small survey of the types of ringworm which affect the skin and its appendages in Eire has been carried out.
The 1992 Multiparty Elections in Cameroon

This paper argues that despite almost three decades of single-party rule that was supposed to eliminate regional and ethnic-based parties in Cameroon, ethnicity remains an important variable in the nation's political economy. That was evident in the 1992 multiparty legislative and presidential elections, where voters appear to have been influenced more by ethnic and/or regional loyalty or anticipated patronage and other pork-barrel benefits than by any clearly defined national agenda by the parties.
The Role of Subsidies in Coordination Games with Interconnected Risk

Can subsidies promote Pareto-optimum coordination? We found that partially subsidizing the cooperative actions for two out of six players in a laboratory coordination game usually produced better coordination and higher total social welfare with both deterministic and stochastic payoffs. Not only were the subsidized players more likely to cooperate (choose the Pareto-optimum action), but the unsubsidized players increased their expectations on how likely others would cooperate, and they cooperated more frequently themselves. After removal of the subsidy, high levels of coordination continued in most groups with stochastic payoffs but declined in deterministic ones. This carry-over disparity between the deterministic and stochastic settings was consistent with the economic theories that agents were more likely to keep the status quo option under uncertainty than without uncertainty. Hence, players with stochastic payoffs were more likely to keep the high coordination level (status quo) brought by the subsidy in the previous subsidy session. A post-game survey also indicated that with stochastic payoffs, players focused on risk reduction. Temporary subsidies promoted lasting coordination because even after subsidy was removed, players still assumed that others players would prefer reduced risks from cooperation. With deterministic payoffs, however, the subsidy might crowd out other rationales for coordination, with many players indicating that the subsidy was the only reason for anyone to cooperate. Hence, the coordination level dropped when the subsidy was removed
Chapter 10 Diagnostics of Silane Glow Discharges Using Probes and Mass Spectroscopy

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the electric probe techniques and the mass spectroscopy of glow discharges excited in pure silane and various silane–gas mixtures. Glow discharges are used to deposit amorphous hydrogenated silicon (a-Si:H) films either by the direct plasma decomposition of silane or by reactive sputtering of a Si target using a glow discharge containing some hydrogen in the gas. The gaseous atmosphere of an operating silane glow discharge contains energetic electrons, ions, fragments, and condensation products and the various species are not in thermal equilibrium with each other. The discharge, thus, provides a rich source of reactive species. The mechanism by which the glow discharge is initiated and maintained and the voltages and electric fields that are present depend on the excitation method used on the composition and geometrical properties of the electrodes and on the gas in which the discharge is excited. The use of probes to measure plasma characteristics is a simple experimental technique, but the results may be difficult to interpret. The probe usually consists of an insulated wire having a short section of the tip exposed or it may be a plane surface in contact with the plasma. The chapter shows a simplified circuit diagram, illustrating the essential features of the technique.
Empiric validation of a process for behavior change

Most behavior change trials focus on outcomes rather than deconstructing how those outcomes related to programmatic theoretical underpinnings and intervention components. In this report, the process of change is compared for three evidence-based programs’ that shared theories, intervention elements and potential mediating variables. Each investigation was a randomized trial that assessed pre- and post- intervention variables using survey constructs with established reliability. Each also used mediation analyses to define relationships. The findings were combined using a pattern matching approach. Surprisingly, knowledge was a significant mediator in each program (a and b path effects [p<0.01]). Norms, perceived control abilities, and self-monitoring were confirmed in at least two studies (p<0.01 for each). Replication of findings across studies with a common design but varied populations provides a robust validation of the theory and processes of an effective intervention. Combined findings also demonstrate a means to substantiate process aspects and theoretical models to advance understanding of behavior change.
The Effect of Telephone-Administered Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy on Quality of Life among Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Background Past research has found that a variety of physical, psychological, and social factors can affect quality of life (QOL). These previous findings suggest that interventions that address these factors could potentially improve QOL.
Determination of copper speciation in highway stormwater runoff using competitive ligand exchange - Adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry.

Abstract Low concentrations of dissolved copper have been shown to adversely affect the olfactory system of salmonid species, impairing their ability to avoid predators and likely increasing mortality. These studies have resulted in increased regulatory scrutiny of stormwater discharges to surface waters inhabited by threatened and endangered salmonid species. Because it is primarily the free ionic (Cu 2+ ) and weakly complexed forms of copper that are bioavailable, it is critical to understand the speciation of copper in stormwater. This paper reports on the characterization of copper binding ligands and copper speciation in composite samples of highway stormwater runoff collected at four sites in Oregon, USA using competitive ligand exchange – adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry (CLE-ACSV). Although the concentration and strength of copper binding ligands in stormwater varied considerable between sites and storms, the vast majority (>99.9%) of the total dissolved copper in composite samples was complexed by organic ligands in stormwater. Although total dissolved copper concentrations range from 2 to 20 μg/L, the analytically determined free ionic copper concentrations did not exceed 10 −10 M (6.3 ng/L) in any of the fully characterized samples, suggesting that much of the copper in highway stormwater is not bioavailable. Analytically determined free ionic copper concentrations were compared with those predicted by a readily available chemical equilibrium models and found to be in reasonable agreement.
Legal hazards of maxillofacial prosthetics

Abstract The legal hazards of maxillofacial prosthetics can easily snowball into one of two effects. The first is that of improvement to the mutual benefit of the maxillofacial team and the patient. Second, negative attitudes by the professions could lead to stalemates at a time when a dynamic explosion could occur. Acceptance and the practice of oral medicine relating to both professions are imminent. The maxillofacial prosthodontist must limit the expectations of the patient. He should use consultants to maximum advantage. Prosthetic facial rehabilitation can be successful by reducing the problems of psychologic acceptance by the patient. Communication and maxillofacial team concepts are improving, because the entire program is discussed in advance. Confirmation letters, good history information, and the best possible relationships with the referring doctors will reduce the legal hazards of maxillofacial prosthetics. Building the confidence of referring physicians and adequate follow-up treatment will do much to further the efforts of all doctors interested in the maxillofacial team concept. We must continue to treat our patients even if nature does the healing.
Case studies in quantitative urban sustainability

Abstract A sustainable city is one that relates its use of resources and its generation and disposal of wastes to the limits imposed on such activities by the planet and its organisms. Drawing upon a study that proposes quantifiable urban actions related to sustainability, we designed three cities with common characteristics but in different geographical and climatic regions (Vietnam, Namibia, Serbia & Montenegro). The intent of the designs is to maintain sustainability as the city evolves over a 20-year period. Several lessons emerge from these case studies: (1) The imposition of quantitative sustainability requirements poses no substantial barriers to the design of workable cities over a range of quite different geographic and climatic conditions; (2) Accommodating evolution is important to sustainable city design; a city can potentially be sustainable at some stages of its evolution but not others; (3) Cities can never be designed and built as totally isolated systems, so sustainable design is ultimately a hierarchical exercise with cities at a low level and the entire planet at the top of a multilevel system, each element of which must contribute to its sustainability.
Pathogenesis of H-1 virus infection of embryonic hamster bone in organ culture.

H-1 virus infection of hamsters has been shown to produce runting, microcephaly, cranial lacunae, and deformed teeth in animals inoculated during the suckling period and to cause various abnormalities, including skeletal defects, in embryos infected transplacentally. To explore the pathogenesis of these effects of viral infection on bone, the response of embryonic hamster tibiae in organ culture to inoculation with the H-1 strain of picodna virus was studied. This system made possible the direct observation of the reaction of bone to virus in a regulated environment. During a period of 7–17 days after inoculation the following observations were made: (a) H-1 virus was found to infect and replicate in bone. (b) Infected bones became more translucent, slender, and elongated than control bones. (c) Bone growth as measured by increase in wet weight was reduced in infected tibiae. (d) Infected bones showed periosteal and perichondral degeneration and diminished deposits of subperiosteal bone. It was concluded that the skeletal abnormalities which develop in embryonic and suckling hamsters after H-1 virus inoculation are the direct result of viral replication in bone, and that indirect phenomena such as those associated with chronic infection need not be postulated to explain the deformities seen in these animals.
Evolutionary layering and the limits to cellular perfection

Although observations from biochemistry and cell biology seemingly illustrate hundreds of examples of exquisite molecular adaptations, the fact that experimental manipulation can often result in improvements in cellular infrastructure raises the question as to what ultimately limits the level of molecular perfection achievable by natural selection. Here, it is argued that random genetic drift can impose a strong barrier to the advancement of molecular refinements by adaptive processes. Moreover, although substantial improvements in fitness may sometimes be accomplished via the emergence of novel cellular features that improve on previously established mechanisms, such advances are expected to often be transient, with overall fitness eventually returning to the level before incorporation of the genetic novelty. As a consequence of such changes, increased molecular/cellular complexity can arise by Darwinian processes, while yielding no long-term increase in adaptation and imposing increased energetic and mutational costs.
The Rheumatoid Thumb

Rheumatoid arthritis of the thumb is a common source of disability. Obtaining an understanding of the underlying biologic and physical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis is essential in the choice of treatment of the disease. In the early stages of the disease, conservative and less invasive measures can be used. In the more advanced stages, arthrodesis and arthroplasty are often used. Isolated interphalangeal involvement is best managed with arthrodesis. Metacarpophalangeal involvement in low-demand patients can be treated with arthroplasty, whereas arthrodesis can be used in more active patients. Patients who have carpometacarpal joint damage are best treated with trapezium resection arthroplasty.
The Influence of Individual- and Class-Level Fairness-Related Perceptions on Student Satisfaction.

Abstract This study advances two contributions to the study of student evaluations of teaching: (a) a multilevel conceptualization that allows for the simultaneous analysis of individual- and class-level correlates of evaluations and (b) an application of recent social/organizational psychology theory and research on fairness. Thus, this study examined the relative influence of individual- and class-level perceptions of fairness and expected grades on students’ satisfaction with their instructors and with their grades. Multilevel regression showed that, at the individual level, grade satisfaction was significantly related to perceived fairness of the instructor’s grading procedures, the perceived fairness of the expected grades, and the expected grades themselves; instructor satisfaction was significantly related to perceptions of the fairness of grading procedures, the fairness of instructor–student interactions, and the fairness of the expected grades. At the class level, instructor satisfaction was significantly influenced by the average perception of the fairness of interactions. The implications for research on student ratings are discussed.
Collaborative care needs and preferences of primary care patients with multimorbidity

OBJECTIVE To explore the collaborative care needs and preferences in primary care patients with multiple chronic illnesses. DESIGN Focus groups utilizing a series of open-ended questions elicited self-identified problems, experiences in communicating with providers, self-management needs, and preferences for monitoring and follow-up. Responses were organized and interpreted in light of the essential elements of collaborative care for chronic illness. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Sixty patients having two or more chronic illnesses at eight geographically dispersed primary care clinics within the Veterans Health Administration in the United States. RESULTS Identified problems included poor functioning, negative psychological reactions, negative effects on relationships and interference with work or leisure. Polypharmacy was a major concern. Problematic interactions with providers and the health care system were also mentioned, often in relation to specialty care and included incidents in which providers had ignored concerns or provided conflicting advice. Most participants, however, expressed overall satisfaction with their care and appreciation of their primary care physicians. Knowledge and skills deficits interfered with self-management. Participants were willing to use technology for monitoring or educational purposes if it did not preclude human contact, and were receptive to non-physician providers as long as they were used to augment, not eliminate, a physician's care. CONCLUSIONS Findings are consistent with the basic tenets of patient-centred, collaborative care, and suggested that health care can be organized and delivered to meet the complex needs of patients with multimorbidity.
Some mechanical factors in the dynamics of the thin-walled spherical viscus.

Purely mechanical factors involved in the dynamics of the thin-walled, spherical viscus may be elucidated by studying the behavior of an artificial viscus. An equation is developed on theoretical grounds which expresses the pressure-distention characteristics of such a model and apparently corrects the errors contained in similar equations developed by other investigators. A precise definition for wall “tone” is offered. On this basis the mathematics of “tone”-distention relationships have been developed. Experimental investigation of the artificial viscus (spherical rubber balloon) permits the differences in behavior between the ideal and the actual model to be composed, and confirms the validity of our theoretical developments.
Glutamate receptors in spinal motoneurons after sciatic nerve transection

Abstract Severing the axon of a neuron triggers profound changes in its soma, beginning within a few days and becoming maximal within a few weeks. Unravelling these changes bears directly on our understanding of degeneration and regeneration after injury. Classically described chromatolysis arises from reorganization of rough endoplasmic reticulum, associated with biosynthetic changes in response to injury. Since motoneurons, in contrast with other central neurons, are able to regenerate their axons, their response to axotomy is of special interest. For successful regeneration, a neuron must shift its cellular machinery from “operational” (e.g., integration of synaptic currents, conduction of action potentials, release of transmitter) to “regenerative” (e.g., repair of membrane and axoplasm, remyelination, growth cone guidance). Motoneurons become unresponsive to synaptic input after axotomy, and the conduction velocity of the proximal stump is re 4,14,17,26 The loss of synaptic contacts on to axotomized neurons has been suggested to underlie this lost responsiveness. 2,3,13,23,31 Here, we demonstrate rapid for ionotropic glutamate receptors in axonotomized motoneurons and in supporting cells, suggesting that altered expression of glutamate receptors underlies the changed reflex responsivity/
Annular anionic lipids stabilize the integrin αIIbβ3 transmembrane complex.

Cationic membrane-proximal amino acids determine the topology of membrane proteins by interacting with anionic lipids that are restricted to the intracellular membrane leaflet. This mechanism implies that anionic lipids interfere with electrostatic interactions of membrane proteins. The integrin αIIbβ3 transmembrane (TM) complex is stabilized by a membrane-proximal αIIb(Arg995)-β3(Asp723) interaction; here, we examine the influence of anionic lipids on this complex. Anionic lipids compete for αIIb(Arg995) contacts with β3(Asp723) but paradoxically do not diminish the contribution of αIIb(Arg995)-β3(Asp723) to TM complex stability. Overall, anionic lipids in annular positions stabilize the αIIbβ3 TM complex by up to 0.50 ± 0.02 kcal/mol relative to zwitterionic lipids in a headgroup structure-dependent manner. Comparatively, integrin receptor activation requires TM complex destabilization of 1.5 ± 0.2 kcal/mol, revealing a sizeable influence of lipid composition on TM complex stability. We implicate changes in lipid headgroup accessibility to small molecules (physical membrane characteristics) and specific but dynamic protein-lipid contacts in this TM helix-helix stabilization. Thus, anionic lipids in ubiquitous annular positions can benefit the stability of membrane proteins while leaving membrane-proximal electrostatic interactions intact.
Hospital and medical care days in pancreatic cancer.

Background Little is known about resource utilization (number of days in the hospital or medical care) between diagnosis and death in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Protozoa of biological soil crusts of a cool desert in Utah

Abstract In arid and semiarid lands throughout the world, many of the open spaces between higher plants are covered by biological soil crusts, communities of cyanobacteria: algae, lichens, and bryophytes associated with bacteria and fungi. These crusts are miniature ecosystems between the atmosphere and soil, furnishing a habitat where microorganisms conduct nutrient recycles, especially nitrogen fixation, and contribute nutrients to the soils underneath. Photosynthetic components and ecosystem metabolism have been extensively studied, but the microfauna contributing to crust bacterial functioning have received little attention. This study of five crusts in southeastern Utah describes diversity and abundance of the protozoa, which constitute most of the microfauna. Amoebae numbered 680–2500, ciliates 20–460, and testate amoebae 2400–4800 g dry weight of crust material, and increased in numbers in the succession from Microcoleus to lichen to bryophyte crusts. Twenty-eight species of amoebae, 45 of ciliates, and 19 of testate amoebae were found. Acanthamoeba , Hartmanella , Vahlkampfidae, two species of Colpoda , 4–5 other colpodids, a species of Polyhymenophora, and species of the tiny testate genera Cryptodifflugia and Difflugiella furnish most of the protozoa in biological soil crusts communities.
Rapid purification of a phospholipase-free α-bungarotoxin: Maintenance of cation barriers of acetylcholine receptor membranes upon preincubation with purified toxin

Abstract The purification of highly homogeneous, phospholipase-free α-bungarotoxin (α-Bgt) from the venom of the elapid Bungarus multicinctus or from commercial samples of α-Bgt is described. The method combines a conventional procedure for the purification of α-Bgt [ D. Mebs, K. Narita, S. Iwanaga, Y. Samejima, and C. Y. Lee (1972) Hoppe-Seyler's Z. Physiol. Chem. 353 , 243–262 ] with high-resolution gel-filtration and cation-exchange chromatography steps to remove membrane-damaging, contaminating phospholipase activity. The procedure also removes contaminating radioactive peptides from commercial preparations of 125 I-α-Bgt. Apparent homogeneity of the purified α-Bgt (referred to as fraction D in the text), as well as the absence of contaminating phospholipase A 2 activity, is assessed by (i) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate, (ii) gel-filtration and cation-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography, (iii) direct measurements of phospholipase A 2 activity under conditions where very low enzymatic levels should be detected, (iv) lack of interference with the passive cation permeability properties of acetylcholine receptor membranes, (v) competitive inhibition of 125 I-α-Bgt binding to the acetylcholine receptor membranes, and (vi) amino acid analysis and end-group (C- and N-terminus) determination. α-Bgt preparations subjected to these criteria do not exert the increase in membrane passive permeability to cations detected with other laboratory or commercial samples of α-Bgt. Availability of the new α-Bgt preparation allows for an assessment of the inertness of α-Bgt on lipid membrane properties while preventing cholinergic ligand binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-rich membranes. These conditions are necessary for experiments requiring maintenance of the physical and phospholipid integrity of membranes.
The dilute locus, pyridoxine deficiency, and audiogenic seizures in mice.

SummaryTo determine whether the dilute locus was associated with a greater behavioral need for pyridoxine and to ascertain the effects of this locus per se on audiogenic seizure severity in mice, the dilute gene was varied over several backgrounds. C57Bl/6J, DBA/2J, first and second filial generations and backcrosses were made sensitive to audiogenic seizures by acoustic priming at age 21 days, placed on regimens of 0, 15, or 30 mg pyridoxine HCl/kg diet for 14 days, and then tested for audiogenic seizures. It was concluded that: 1) lack of pyridoxine enhanced audiogenic seizure severity; 2) the dilute locus per se was not associated with a difference of audiogenic seizure severity; 3) the dilute gene was not associated with a greater behavioral need for pyridoxine, as measured by audiogenic seizures; and 4) the DBA/2J was recessive to the C57Bl/6J for audiogenic seizure severity under the conditions of this experiment.
Three Yips for Rab recruitment.

Rab GTPases function at all stages of the endocytic and exocytic pathways. Although it is clear that each Rab is required for specific transport events, the process by which they are recruited to distinct compartments along the membrane trafficking pathway has remained obscure. Recent data suggests that a member of the Yip family is important for the membrane recruitment of endosomal Rabs.
COMPOSITIONAL SPECIFICATION OF BEHAVIORAL SEMANTICS FOR DOMAIN-SPECIFIC MODELING LANGUAGES

Domain-Specific Modeling Languages (DSMLs) play a fundamental role in the model-based design of embedded software and systems. While abstract syntax metamodeling enables the rapid and inexpensive development of DSMLs, the specification of DSML semantics is still a hard problem. In previous work, we have developed methods and tools for the semantic anchoring of DSMLs. Semantic anchoring introduces a set of reusable "semantic units" that provide reference semantics for basic behavioral categories using the Abstract State Machine framework. In this paper, we extend the semantic anchoring framework to heterogeneous behaviors by exploring methods for the composition of semantic units. Semantic unit composition reduces the required effort from DSML designers and improves the quality of the specification. The proposed method is demonstrated through a case study. Formal notions of compositionality are discussed as well as a brief comparison with similar research tools.
Optimized Hydrophobic Interactions and Hydrogen Bonding at the Target-Ligand Interface Leads the Pathways of Drug-Designing

Background Weak intermolecular interactions such as hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions are key players in stabilizing energetically-favored ligands, in an open conformational environment of protein structures. However, it is still poorly understood how the binding parameters associated with these interactions facilitate a drug-lead to recognize a specific target and improve drugs efficacy. To understand this, comprehensive analysis of hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding and binding affinity have been analyzed at the interface of c-Src and c-Abl kinases and 4-amino substituted 1H-pyrazolo [3, 4-d] pyrimidine compounds. Methodology In-silico docking studies were performed, using Discovery Studio software modules LigandFit, CDOCKER and ZDOCK, to investigate the role of ligand binding affinity at the hydrophobic pocket of c-Src and c-Abl kinase. Hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions of docked molecules were compared using LigPlot program. Furthermore, 3D-QSAR and MFA calculations were scrutinized to quantify the role of weak interactions in binding affinity and drug efficacy. Conclusions The in-silico method has enabled us to reveal that a multi-targeted small molecule binds with low affinity to its respective targets. But its binding affinity can be altered by integrating the conformationally favored functional groups at the active site of the ligand-target interface. Docking studies of 4-amino-substituted molecules at the bioactive cascade of the c-Src and c-Abl have concluded that 3D structural folding at the protein-ligand groove is also a hallmark for molecular recognition of multi-targeted compounds and for predicting their biological activity. The results presented here demonstrate that hydrogen bonding and optimized hydrophobic interactions both stabilize the ligands at the target site, and help alter binding affinity and drug efficacy.
Input for participating media

Images of radiatively participating media are aesthetically appealing -- curls of smoke, sunsets, fires and clouds. Generating physically accurate, rather than artistic, images of participating media is an extremely challenging computational problem. In computer graphics, significant effort has gone into developing computational methods to account for attenuation and multiple scattering in participating media (e.g. [27], [4], [32],[18],[5],[24],[3],[31], [34],[33]). While such methods are still extremely time consuming, the problem is well understood. However, far less attention has been given into obtaining and/or modeling appropriate input for rendering participating media. In many cases, getting realistic input data is much more difficult than computing the light scattering. In this section we will consider what data is needed and some possible approaches for getting it.
Polycomb and Trithorax control genome expression by determining the alternative chromatin epigenetic states for key developmental regulators

The Polycomb (PcG) and Trithorax (TrxG) group proteins are essential for development in all multicellular organisms. Mutations of the PcG and TrxG genes act as early embryonic lethals, while their overexpression correlates with malignancies. Comparative genomic analysis showed that PcG and TrxG form a binary regulatory system that functions as an epigenetic rheostat to determine the threshold levels of extracellular signals affecting the expression levels of key developmental genes.
HEMODYNAMIC EFFECTS OF ACUTE AND PROLONGED β-ADRENERGIC BLOCKADE IN ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION

Absrract. Hemodynamic studies have been performed in 15 male patients with mild to moderately severe essential hypertension. Studies were made after four weeks of placebo treatment and again after acute i.v. administration of propranolol (0.22 mg/kg) and after four weeks of oral propranolol therapy (160-320 mg daily). After acute /3-adrenergic blockade a significant reduction of cardiac index (Qi) occurred, while total peripheral resistance (TPR) increased significantly, resulting in unaltered BP. After four weeks of oral propranolol the Qi remained significantly reduced, but TPR was readjusted towards the initial level, resulting in a reduction of BP in most patients. Major reductions of stimulated plasma renin activity were seen, but these were not correlated to the changes of BP, Qi or TPR. Studies of the baroreceptor reflex by means of i.v. administration of angiotensin suggested a change towards increased sensitivity, although this change did not achieve statistical significance.
Triglycerides in the human kidney cortex: Relationship with body size

Obesity is associated with increased risk for kidney disease and uric acid nephrolithiasis, but the pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning these associations are incompletely understood. Animal experiments have suggested that renal lipid accumulation and lipotoxicity may play a role, but whether lipid accumulation occurs in humans with increasing body mass index (BMI) is unknown. The association between obesity and abnormal triglyceride accumulation in non-adipose tissues (steatosis) has been described in the liver, heart, skeletal muscle and pancreas, but not in the human kidney. We used a quantitative biochemical assay to quantify triglyceride in normal kidney cortex samples from 54 patients undergoing nephrectomy for localized renal cell carcinoma. In subsets of the study population we evaluated the localization of lipid droplets by Oil Red O staining and measured 16 common ceramide species by mass spectrometry. There was a positive correlation between kidney cortex trigyceride content and BMI (Spearman R = 0.27, P = 0.04). Lipid droplets detectable by optical microscopy had a sporadic distribution but were generally more prevalent in individuals with higher BMI, with predominant localization in proximal tubule cells and to a lesser extent in glomeruli. Total ceramide content was inversely correlated with triglycerides. We postulate that obesity is associated with abnormal triglyceride accumulation (steatosis) in the human kidney. In turn, steatosis and lipotoxicity may contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity-associated kidney disease and nephrolithiasis.
Doxacurium pharmacodynamics in children during volatile and opioid-based anaesthesia

The interaction between doxacurium and halothane, isoflurane or alfentanil has not been studied in children. Using the cumulative dose-response technique and electromyography, we determined ED50 and ED90 of doxacurium during halothane (n = 9), isoflurane (n = 12) or alfentanil (n = 9) based anaesthesia in children aged 2-10 years. Both isoflurane and halothane potentiated the effects of doxacurium compared to alfentanil. The ED50 for doxacurium/halothane was 23.9 micrograms.kg-1 compared to 32.7 micrograms.kg-1 for doxacurium/alfentanil. The ED90 for doxacurium/isoflurane was 32.7 micrograms.kg-1 compared to 48.2 micrograms.kg-1 doxacurium/alfentanil (p < 0.05). There were no significant time course differences between the groups. When equipotent doses of doxacurium were used to provide muscle relaxation the duration of the neuromuscular block was similar in children who received aflentanil, halothane or isoflurane supplementation of N2O/O2 anaesthesia.
Eagle O: A semi-autonomous robot

Autonomous robots have many applications in manufacturing industry, space exploration, defense research, etc. The goal of this project, codenamed Eagle O, is to build a semi-autonomous robot. Robots can have autonomous characteristic to varying degrees. Eagle O is being developed with semi-autonomous characteristics. A control system is being implemented for directing the robot using a remote machine. Having semi-autonomous characteristics, Eagle O can direct itself in hazardous situations. Other key characteristic include following a light source for navigation purposes, autonomously traversing in hazardous conditions, and capturing physical data in real-time mode. The other goal behind Eagle O project is to develop a model for space exploration robots. It is very unlikely Eagle O robot will be operated in space.
Computer-assisted determination of muscle fiber cross-sectional areas

A computer-assisted technique for the calculation of individual muscle fiber cross-sectional areas is described. This system employs the use of an electronic digitizer to describe the boundary of the selected area. Green's theorem in the plane (Kreysizig, Advanced Engineering Mathematics, Wiley, New York), A=1/2 @!(xdy-ydx), was selected to mathematically determine the area of a plane region as a line integral over the boundary. This procedure may be easily modified to allow for the area measurement of any single plane figure. This technique may improve the accuracy as well as shorten the time involved when compared to some other applications of conventional methods of planimetry.
Sulfonation Reaction Kinetics of Poly(ether ketone ketone) (PEKK) Using a Mixture of Concentrated and Fuming Sulfuric Acid

Sulfonated poly(ether ketone ketone) (SPEKK) ionomers were prepared by sulfonating PEKK with a mixture of concentrated and fuming sulfuric acid. Sulfonation occurs only on the phenyl rings attached to ether and ketone groups, resulting in a maximum sulfonation level of 4.33 mequiv/g. Three models for the reaction kinetics were investigated: (i) a second-order model and (ii) a pseudo-first-order model, each based on a single reaction step between active PEKK sites and SO3, and (iii) a consecutive-reactions approach based on the notion that a previously reacted PEKK site deactivates remaining sites in the same repeat unit. Activation energies ranging from 71 to 76 kJ/mol were found for reaction temperatures from 16 to 74 °C. Although the sulfonation reaction could be predicted adequately up to a sulfonation level of 2.5 mequiv/g with all proposed models, the third model was needed to extend the simulation capability beyond this point. The validity of the consecutive-reactions model was confirmed by investi...
Complementary forms of [α, β]-compact

Abstract For infinite cardinals κ λ, let X ϵ C(κ, λ) iff for each open cover U of X of cardinality less than λ, X - U is finally κ-compact (i.e., [κ, β]-compact for all β) for some U ϵ U . The T3 spaces in C(ω, ω) comprise the NAC spaces of W. Fleissner et al. Their cofinality, cf(X), extends naturally to C(κ, λ) and, combined with a new cardinal invariant, cfc(X), completely determines C(κ, λ), i.e., X ϵ C(κ, λ) iff κ ⩾ cfc(X) and λ ⩽ cf(X). The subclasses C(κ, ω) of cofinally κ-compact and C(κ, κ) of κ-cocompact spaces are more interesting and give meaning to cf(X) and cfc(X). They relate to Dowker space constructions of M.E. Rudin and others, e.g. the inclusion C (κ, κ) ⊃ C(κ, ω) is made proper by some of these non-ZFC spaces. Section 2 gives equivalents, examples and implications for C(κ, ω), including an extension of a result of P. Nyikos in nonmetric manifolds. Likewise for C(κ, κ) in Section 3. Section 4 develops more fully the relation to [α, β]-compact.
Fundamental considerations regarding the growth of amorphous and microcrystalline silicon and alloy films

Abstract Fundamental chemical and physical considerations indicate that the basic mechanism that limits high growth rates of a-Si and alloy film is not just radical diffusion on the surface, but rather the elimination of excess hydrogen from the surface and subsurface. The elimination of H through the cross-linking of neighboring hydrogen atoms bonded to adjacent Si atoms at the surface, as postulated in the standard model of growth, is not thermodynamically likely. Rather, the elimination of excess H is facilitated both by H ions and radicals, and by bombardment by inert ions. The absence of efficient elimination results in voids and clustered H at the surfaces of voids, leading to excess Staebler–Wronksi degradation. Therefore, to improve the quality of hot-wire materials and devices, efficient H, and perhaps inert ion bombardment, needs to be included during growth.
Middle Tertiary Foraminiferal Paleoecology, San Joaquin Valley, California: ABSTRACT

A detailed study was made of the foraminiferal paleoecology of the Middle Tertiary of the San Joaquin Valley, California. General trends of use in paleoecology include: (1) increase of authigenes away from shorelines, (2) progressive diversification of foraminiferal species and increase in foraminiferal abundance away from shore, and (3) concentration of planktonic species in the upper bathyal and outer shelf zones of marine basins. Bathymetry of modern homeomorphs of Tertiary species serves as the basis for establishing seven major biofacies for the California Tertiary, representing depths ranging from estuarine to deep bathyal conditions. From Zemorrian to Luisian time, water depths in the San Joaquin marine basin were about 6,000 feet; in later Miocene time there was gradual shoaling, resulting in widespread shallow marine and paralic conditions in the Pliocene. Displaced faunas were most abundant near the base of steeper slopes of the reconstructed marine environments of the Middle Tertiary. Abyssal and shoal faunas appear to have longer geologic ranges, generally, than biofacies representing intermediate depths. Paleotectonism was assessed in terms of vertical changes; changes amounted to many thousands of feet for each stage, especially in perimeter areas of the marine basin. Volumetric analyses suggest that about 900 cubic miles of subsidence occurred in the Zemorrian, with a progressive decrease to a minimum value of about 300 cubic miles in the Relizian, and increasing values for the remainder of the Miocene. More than 5,000 cubic miles of rock represent the marine sediment deposited in the San Joaquin basin during the middle Tertiary stages; more than 4,000 cubic miles of this were deposited in bathyal marine conditions, and most of the oil produced has come from these sediments. Oil fields occur in areas that have been active tectonically, near steeper bottom slopes of the reconstructed environment, and where there are rapid changes in biofacies. End_of_Article - Last_Page 516------------
Photodynamic therapy for obstructing esophageal cancer: Light dosimetry and randomized comparison with Nd: YAG laser therapy☆

Abstract Background & Aims: Light dosimetry analysis to achieve predictable tumor necrosis has not been performed for photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the gastrointestinal tract. We evaluated dihematoporphyrin ethers for sensitizing esophageal carcinomas to 630 nm light and compared PDT with neodymium:yttrium-aluminumgarnet (Nd:YAG) laser therapy in a randomized trial. Methods: Of 52 patients with dysphagia, 32 received palliative PDT. Ten patients treated with PDT participated in a preliminary trial using various doses of 630nm light, and 22 patients treated with PDT participated in a randomized trial using a derived standardized light dose for comparison with 20 patients treated with the Nd:YAG laser. Results: Light dosimetry correlated with depth of tumor necrosis ( r = 0.664; P P P = 0.008). Skin photoreactions were unique to PDT. Conclusions: The extent of PDT tumor ablation correlates with light dosimetry, enabling selection of a standardized light dose. PDT can relieve esophageal obstruction from squamous cell and adenocarcinoma and is an alternative to Nd:YAG thermal necrosis with a longer duration of response. However, PDT requires patient precautions to minimize skin photoreactions.
Modeling of Solid Rotor Turbogenerators Part II: Example of Model Derivation and Use in Digital Simulation

This paper uses the techniques discussed in Part I to derive a variety of direct-and quadrature-axis models of a small laboratory generator. The predictions of these models in computer simulations are compared to measured performance. Based upon these results, the models and modeling techniques are evaluated and discussed. The need for further study of saturation effects is highlighted by the inability of the models to predict initial steady state conditions and the consequent effects upon the results of transient simulations.
Planning of irrigation distribution and application systems by mixed-integer linear programming

Abstract A mixed-integer programming model was used to obtain optimum system plans for a 6900-ha irrigation project in southeastern Idaho. Three types of gravity conveyance (existing unlined canal, concrete lined canal, and gravity pipe) were considered along with five types of irrigation application systems in developing plans. The mixed-integer programming model was flexible and effective in developing minimum cost irrigation system plans that complied with the constraints specified. Quantitative effects of different constraints were easily evaluated. The model gives descriptive scenarios that can assist planners, irrigators, and other interested parties in making multiple-objective planning decisions for developing or rehabilitating an irrigation project.
Modified Critical Movement Analysis Approach for Signalized Intersections

In the preparation of the fourth edition of the textbook Traffic Engineering, a modified critical movement analysis methodology for signalized intersections was developed. The methodology was developed for consistency with signal timing approaches and to allow a simplified way to do a quick, manual analysis of a signalized intersection. This paper presents this methodology and reports on a comprehensive analysis of its results as compared with those resulting from application of the 2000 Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) methodology as it is implemented in the highway capacity software package. For a wide range of situations, the critical movement analysis provides reasonable estimates of delay and level of service compared with the more complex HCM 2000 approach. This critical movement analysis methodology provides analysts with a more straightforward approach and the ability to either conduct or check an analysis manually, and it can be used as a replacement for the quick estimation method of Chapter 10 of ...