cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A sharp lower bound of the Randić index of cacti with r pendants

The Randic index of a simple connected graph G is defined as @?"u"v"@?"E"("G")(d(u)d(v))^-^1^/^2. In this paper, we present a sharp lower bound on the Randic index of cacti with r pendants.
Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in children with type 1 diabetes

Recent studies have shown that continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), or insulin pump therapy, provides a treatment option that can assist in the attainment of current goals of treatment in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). In pediatric patients, CSII has been demonstrated to reduce both glycosylated hemoglobin levels and frequency of severe hypoglycemia, without sacrifices in safety, quality of life, or excessive weight gain, particularly in conjunction with the use of new insulin analogs and improvements in pump technology. Clinical studies of safety and efficacy of CSII in children are reviewed.
Mechanism of hydrolysis of a thiazolium ion : general acid-base catalysis of the breakdown of the tetrahedral addition intermediate

Abstract Rate constants in the pH range 3–9 for formation of the enethiolate product upon hydrolysis of 3,4-dimethylthiazolium ion, a model for the coenzyme thiamin, have been determined by irreversible iodination of the enethiolate at 25°C and ionic strength 1.0 m in aqueous solution. It is concluded that the rate-limiting step for hydrolysis of 3,4-dimethylthiazolium ion in the pH range 3–11 is breakdown of the neutral tetrahedral addition intermediate (T 0 ) to product: general acid catalysis for enethiolate formation is observed and is inconsistent with rate-limiting formation of T 0 ; buffer catalysis results provide no evidence for a change in rate-limiting step. Bronsted values are α = 0.53 for general acid and β = 0.31 for general base catalysis of the formation of the hydrolysis product by oxygen-containing buffers and primary amines: nucleophilic attack of the buffer bases has been ruled out. Catalysis by buffer acids is formulated as concerted general acid catalysis of the departure of the enethiol from T 0 . The buffer base- and water-catalyzed reactions are formulated as concerted general base catalysis of the expulsion of the enethiolate from T 0 . It is suggested that these mechanisms are general for hydrolysis reactions of 3-substituted-4-methylthiazolium ions where the substituent on the nitrogen atom of the thiazolium ring is not an intramolecular nucleophilic catalyst.
Characterization of local inflammatory response in an isolated lung perfusion model.

Background: Current phase I trials of isolated lung perfusion for treatment of pulmonary metastases have an arbitrarily determined length of perfusion. Our objective was to examine the temporal course of the local and distant inflammatory response as a function of the length of perfusion (ischemia) and subsequent reperfusion in an equivalent animal model.
Nonreciprocal coupler isolator

We propose a novel optical isolator design in a silicon based coupler with a single nonreciprocal arm and suitably index-matched reciprocal second arm. This structure displays high levels of optical isolation and low forward loss.
Negotiating Identity: A Look at the Educational Experiences of Black Undergraduates in STEM Disciplines

The purpose of this qualitative study is to investigate the mathematics educational experiences of Black undergraduate students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines at the University of Virginia. Using Murrell's (2009) situated-mediated identity theory as the theoretical framework, this study examines factors that influence the construction of mathematics identities of these students. Findings indicate that race significantly influenced the educational experiences of these students and, consequently, the construction of their identities as mathematics learners and doers.
Barrier/bonding layers on bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) for high temperature thermoelectric modules

In this research, a fundamental study is conducted to identify the materials and develop the processes for producing barrier/bonding composite on Bi2Te3 for high temperature thermoelectric applications. The composite must meet four basic requirements: (a) prevent inter-diffusion between the electrode material, for our design, silver(Ag) and Bi2Te3, (b) bond well to Bi2Te3, (c) bond well to Ag electrode, and (d) do not themselves diffuse into Bi2Te3. The composites investigated include palladium (Pd), nickel/gold (Ni/Au), Ag, and titanium/gold (Ti/Au). After annealing at 250 °C for 200 h, only the Ti/Au design meets all four requirements. The thickness of Ti and Au, respectively, is only 100 nm. Other than meeting these four requirements, the Ti/Au layers exhibit excellent step coverage on the rough Bi2Te3 surface even after the annealing process.
Tosyloxylactonization of alkenoic acids with [hydroxy(tosyloxy)iodo] benzene

Abstract [Hydroxy(tosyloxy)iodo]benzene( 1 ) reacts with 3-butenoic, 4-pentenoic, 5- hexenoic and 2-methyl-4-pentenoic acids in CH2Cl2 to give tosyloxylactones and with trans -3- hexenoic and 2-cyclopenteneacetic acids to give unsaturated lactones. 5 -Norbornene- endo -2- carboxylic acid with 1 gives a rearranged lactone while 5-norbornene- endo -2.3-dicarboxylic acid gives a bis -lactone.
Distributions in protein conformation space: implications for structure prediction and entropy.

By considering how polymer structures are distributed in conformation space, we show that it is possible to quantify the difficulty of structural prediction and to provide a measure of progress for prediction calculations. The critical issue is the probability that a conformation is found within a specified distance of another conformer. We address this question by constructing a cumulative distribution function (CDF) for the average probability from observations about its limiting behavior at small displacements and numerical simulations of polyalanine chains. We can use the CDF to estimate the likelihood that a structure prediction is better than random chance. For example, the chance of randomly predicting the native backbone structure of a 150-amino-acid protein to low resolution, say within 6 A, is 10−14. A high-resolution structural prediction, say to 2 A, is immensely more difficult (10−57). With additional assumptions, the CDF yields the conformational entropy of protein folding from native-state coordinate variance. Or, using values of the conformational entropy change on folding, we can estimate the native state's conformational span. For example, for a 150-mer protein, equilibrium α-carbon displacements in the native ensemble would be 0.3–0.5 A based on TΔS of 1.42 kcal/(mol residue).
Processing groundwater level data by digital computer / Traitement de données ‘niveau hydrostatique’ sur ordinateur digital

Abstract A groundwater level data storage and retrieval system was developed in FORTRAN for use on a Data General NOVA 1220 minicomputer. Groundwater level data may be displayed in both tabular and graphical format, using a line printer and incremental plotter. Requests for data are rapidly and easily handled.
In-car cell phone use: mitigating risk by signaling remote callers

Research has linked in-car cell phone use with automobile accidents. We explore a signaling method that could mitigate that risk. We show in a first experiment how remote cell phone callers were induced to speak less during critical driving periods, and, in a second experiment, how driving performance in a simulator improved when callers reduced conversation levels during critical driving periods.
Differential effects of delta9-THC on learning in adolescent and adult rats.

Abstract Marijuana use remains strikingly high among young users in the U.S., and yet few studies have assessed the effects of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in adolescents compared to adults. This study measured the effects of THC on male adolescent and adult rats in the Morris water maze. In Experiment 1, adolescent (PD = 30–32) and adult (PD = 65–70) rats were treated acutely with 5.0 mg/kg THC or vehicle while trained on the spatial version of the water maze on five consecutive days. In Experiment 2, adolescent and adult rats were treated acutely with 2.5 or 10.0 mg/kg THC or vehicle while trained on either the spatial and non-spatial versions of the water maze. In Experiment 3, adolescent and adult rats were treated with 5.0 mg/kg THC or vehicle daily for 21 days, and were trained on the spatial and then the non-spatial versions of the water maze task four weeks later in the absence of THC. THC impaired both spatial and nonspatial learning more in adolescents than in adults at all doses tested. However, there were no long-lasting significant effects on either spatial or non-spatial learning in rats that had been previously exposed to THC for 21 days. This developmental sensitivity is analogous to the effects of ethanol, another commonly used recreational drug.
Extrapolation of Nucleon Form Factors. II

The magnetic isoscalar form factor is fitted with two poles: the $\ensuremath{\omega}$ and the $\ensuremath{\varphi}$ resonance. The magnetic isovector form factor ${G}_{\mathrm{MV}}$ for spacelike and timelike momentum transfers is fitted using the conformal-transformation techniques of Levinger, Peierls, and Wang, and these techniques are tested using artificial data. If we do not assume a contribution from the $\ensuremath{\rho}$ resonance, we find a spectral function with a broad peak some 100 MeV below the position of the $\ensuremath{\rho}$, and with a negative dip around 1200 MeV. If we assume that the $\ensuremath{\rho}$ resonance contributes additively at its known position and width, but with an adjustable coefficient for its strength, we argue that the $\ensuremath{\rho}$ contributes about 90% of the static moment. The complete spectral function shows a shoulder around 500 MeV, and again a negative dip around 1200 MeV. If we assume that ${G}_{\mathrm{MV}}$ is a product of the form factor for the $\ensuremath{\rho}$ and an adjustable function, we find that the spectral function has a high peak near the $\ensuremath{\rho}$ resonance, and a marked negative dip at 900 MeV. The $\ensuremath{\rho}$ again contributes some 90% of the static moment. The different phenomenonological fits are in semiquantitative agreement with each other and with the recent field-theoretical calculations of Furuichi et al.
ANALYSIS OF A FERMENTATION RECYCLE LOOP FOR ON-LINE MEASUREMENTS

Recycle lines have been widely used in on-line analysis of fermentation processes. However, like most tools, many practical considerations can remain overlooked. Upon reflecting on this technique, some of these overlooked considerations have been studied. Because of the importance of a debubbler to a recycle line, an improved design was made and tested which can produce a bubble free high flow rate stream to reduce residence times. The effect of the recycle line on the culture growth, and DO was also investigated and found to be negligible.
Effect of depositional method on the undrained response of silty sand

The results from a laboratory experimental study on silty sand are presented. Undrained triaxial compression tests were performed on Nevada sand containing nonplastic silt. All specimens underwent ...
Relationship between caloric intake and length of hospital stay for infants with bronchiolitis.

Objective: Poor oral intake is a common presenting symptom among infants hospitalized with bronchiolitis. The prevalence, degree, and duration of diminished caloric intake in these infants have not been studied. Our goal was to determine the daily caloric intake among infants admitted with bronchiolitis and to evaluate the relationship between early hospital caloric intake and length of stay (LOS). Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of infants aged Results: A total of 273 patients with bronchiolitis were admitted between November 1, 2004, and April 15, 2005; placed on the bronchiolitis protocol; and included in the study. Median caloric intake was diminished on day 1 (53 kcal/kg per day) and day 2 (64 kcal/kg per day). Caloric intake was slower to normalize in infants with progressively longer LOS, and a slower rate of increase from day 1 to day 2 was significantly correlated with longer LOS (r = –0.18; P = .002). Subgroup analysis revealed significant correlations between hospital day 2 caloric intake and LOS in formula-fed infants, breastfed infants, infants aged Conclusions: Caloric intake was diminished in the early course of hospitalization for infants who had bronchiolitis and slowest to normalize in infants with the longest LOS. Interventions aimed at decreasing LOS among infants admitted with bronchiolitis should consider the potential significance of nutrition for severely affected infants with this condition.
Commentary on criteria-based content analysis

Criteria-Based Content Analysis (CBCA) may be viewed as an attempt to construct a standardized procedure for determining the evidentiary value of a testimonial statement. Its theoretical basis is the “Undeutsch Hypothesis” that asserts that truthful accounts differ “significantly and noticeably” from false accounts and that these differences can be defined in terms of explicitly stated criteria. In his interesting and authoritative account of the development of Statement Reality Analysis-of which CBCA forms a part-Professor Udo Undeutsch asserts that: “The scientific assessment of the truthfulness of a testimonial statement rests on two pillars: the interview and the analysis of the obtained statement. Together they form one methodological whole.” (1989, p. 116). Relevant to the first pillar, Lamb, Sternberg, & Esplin (1994) have summarized much recent research on the interviewing of children and, basing themselves on that research and their own clinical experience, have presented a thoughtful set of recommendations for obtaining accurate information from the child utilizing forensically defensible interviewing techniques. These recommendations would receive further support from the extensive review of the research literature on the suggestibility of children provided by Ceci and Bruck (1993a) and by their more recent account of the policy implications of this research as it effects the conduct of interviews and the court testimony of experts related to such interviews (Ceci & Bruck, 1993b). Thus, there is growing acceptance in the field that although children-even pre-school children-can provide informative and credible information regarding abusive situations there is need for careful, systematic, non-suggestive, and well-documented interviews conducted by thoroughly trained and sensitive investigators. Such acceptance would support the first of Undeutsch’s two methodological pillars. The second pillar is the analysis of the obtained statement, which brings us to a consideration of CBCA. As Undeutsch indicated in his 1989 article, the analysis of statements for their credibility is for all of us a part of everyday life. What was unique and innovative for the forensic psychologists practicing in the European courts in the 1950s and
Acute Toxicity of the Bird Repellent, Methyl Anthranilate, to Fry of Salmo salar, Oncorhynus mykiss, Ictalurus punctatus and Lepomis macrochirus.

Several laboratory and field studies have shown methyl anthranilate to be an effective, non-toxic and non-lethal bird repellent, with application potential for protecting crops, seeds, turf and fish stocks from bird damage. Furthermore, methyl anthranilate can be added to liquids for the purposes of protecting migratory birds, e.g. addition to waste water associated with mining and to standing water pools at airports. Mammalian toxicity data are favorable. Methyl anthranilate is used as a fragrance and food flavoring and is GRAS listed by the US Food and Drug Administration. Despite the favorable outlook for methyl anthranilate's use as a safe repellent, no data exist on its environmental fate and effects. We have tested the acute toxicity of methyl anthranilate in a static system against the fry of four species of fish. The LC50 at 24 h for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) was 32.3 mg liter−1, with the no observable effect limit at 6 mg liter−1. The LC50 at 24 h for rainbow trout (Oncorhynus mykiss Richardson) was 23.5 mg liter−1, with the no observable effect limit at 5 mg liter−1. The LC50 at 24 h for channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus Raf.) was estimated to be 20.1 mg liter−1, with the no observable effect limit at 7 mg liter−1. The LC50 at 24 h for bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus Raf.) was estimated to be 19.8 mg liter−1, with the no observable effect limit at 7 mg liter−1..
Range Resolved, Sub-Millimeter Resolution Lidar Using Temporally Stretched, Frequency Chirped Pulses

A temporally stretched, frequency chirped pulsed lidar system employing a phase modulation heterodyne scheme for range resolved measurements with sub-millimeter resolution at a range of 4.65km with 30dB dynamic range is demonstrated.
Does rolling back decision trees really require the independence axiom

In a recent article, LaValle and Wapman argue that the recursion analysis of decision trees in extensive form requires the Herstein-Milnor independence axiom. I claim that most extensive form analyses are perfectly proper in the absence of independence, but that the transformation from extensive to normal form is impermissible.
Reduction of lithologic-log data to numbers for use in the digital computer

The development of a standardized system for conveniently coding lithologic-log data for use in the digital computer has long been needed. The technique suggested involves a reduction of the original written alphanumeric log to a numeric log by use of computer programs. This numeric log can then be retrieved as a written log, interrogated for pertinent information, or analyzed statistically.
Near-limit laminar burning velocities of microgravity premixed hydrogen flames with chemically-passive fire suppressants

Abstract Effects of chemically-passive fire suppressants on laminar premixed hydrogen flames were investigated by combined use of microgravity experiments and computations. The experiments used a short-drop free-fall laboratory facility that provides at least 450 ms of 10−2 g. Near-limit laminar burning velocities were measured for outwardly propagating spherical stoichiometric hydrogen-air flames with varying concentrations of He, Ar, N2, and CO2 as suppressants. Burning velocities were also computed using the steady, one-dimensional laminar premixed flame code PREMIX. Both measured and computed results showed the suppressants to increase in effectiveness in the order He, Ar, N2, to CO2. The differences in effectiveness are shown to result from increased quenching of reactions by the increased specific heat due to the suppressant and from changes in the transport rates near the flame. The concentration needed for each suppressant to prevent flame propagation was also determined. Far from this flammability limit, agreement between measured and computed laminar burning velocities was good, but for near-limit flames the computed velocities were significantly lower than measured values. These near-limit differences may be due to third-body recombination rates for H + O2 + M = HO2 + M reactions, and in particular to the third-body chaperon efficacy of various species M.
Spectrum of the Kerzman-Stein Operator for the Ellipse

The skew-hermitian part of the Cauchy operator, defined with respect to arclength measure on the boundary, is known as the Kerzman-Stein operator. For an ellipse, the eigenvalues of this operator are shown to have multiplicity two. For an ellipse with small eccentricity, we compute the leading coefficient in the asymptotic expansion of the eigenvalues.
Alternative view of self-diffusion and shear viscosity.

By performing an elementary transformation, the conventional velocity autocorrelation function expression for the temperature and density dependent self-diffusion constant D(T,ρ) has been reformulated to emphasize how initial particle momentum biases final mean displacement. Using collective flow variables, an analogous expression has been derived for 1/η(T,ρ), the inverse of shear viscosity. The Stokes−Einstein relation for liquids declares that D and T/η should have a fixed ratio as T and ρ vary, but experiment reveals substantial violations for deeply supercooled liquids. Upon analyzing the self-diffusion and viscous flow processes in terms of configuration space inherent structures and kinetic transitions between their basins, one possible mechanism for this violation emerges. This stems from the fact that interbasin transitions become increasingly Markovian as T declines, and though self-diffusion is possible in a purely Markovian regime, shear viscosity in the present formulation intrinsically relie...
Use of Bismuth-Bridge Magnetic Fluxmeter for A-C Fields

THE methods most often used for the measurement of d-c, a-c, and transient magnetic fields depend upon one fundamental law: that a voltage is generated in a conductor cutting lines of magnetic flux. However, for each of these fields the apparatus and procedure are entirely different. Perhaps the greatest difficulty arises in the study of a magnetic field under transient conditions, since the resulting voltage oscillogram is a composite of several components having more or less intricate phase relations. Thus the actual magnetic-field values or changes are rather difficult to obtain. A single instrument, adapted for use in any of the three fields, would be very desirable. With this object in view, the following report describes the work done in attempting to use, for the measurement of a-c and transient magnetic fields, an instrument previously proposed for use only in the d-c field.
On the electronic structure of oxazole

Abstract The π-electronic properties of oxazole are calculated by the semiempirical self-consistent field-molecular orbital method. The parameters necessary for the computation are taken from previous self-consistent field studies of furan and imidazole. The charge densitites, bond orders, free valences, energy levels, and π→π* spectral transitions for oxazole are determined. The energy calculated for the first π→π* spectral transition is 6· eV, which agrees well with the experimental value. Further comparison of the theoretical results with experiment is prevented by the lack of any other relevant data.
Design and bioactivities of melanotropic peptide agonists and antagonists: Design based on a conformationally constrained somatostatin template

α-Melanotropin and ACTH, POMC peptides, initiate biological activity by interaction with the classical pigment cell (α-MSH receptor, MC1R) and adrenal gland (ACTH receptor, MC2R) melanocortin receptors, respectively. The recently discovered MC3R, MC4R and MC5R receptors provide new targets and new biological functions for POMC peptides. We have developed conformationally constrained α-melanotropin peptides that interact with all of these receptors as agonists and antagonists and are examining new approaches to obtain highly selective ligands for each of these melanocortin receptors. Previously, we had converted somatostatin-derived peptides into potent and highly selective analogues that act as antagonists at the μ opioid receptors. Using the reverse turn template that came out of these studies, we have designed, de novo, agonist and antagonist peptide analogues that interact with melanocortin receptors.
The Canon and Shakespeare's Plays on the Contemporary East Asian Stage

In her article "The Canon and Shakespeare's Plays on the Contemporary East Asian Stage" I-Chun Wang argues that although globalization often refers to the phenomenon of international trade and (im)migrants, globalization has made strong impacts in all aspects of culture and literature. Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra and Julius Caesar have attracted attention of East Asian playwrights and directors in the last several years. By juxtaposing the trends of local cultural performing arts with representations of local cultural legacies, Wang discusses the staging of these two Roman plays in Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. By probing into the imperial themes represented through performing arts and highlighting how recent East Asian theatrical productions represent Shakespearean heritage, Wang also examines the increasing importance of local voices and cultural aesthetics in East Asian theater. I-Chun Wang, "The Canon and Shakespeare's Plays on the Contemporary East Asian Stage" page 2 of 8 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 16.6 (2014): Special Issue Western Canons in a Changing East Asia. Ed. Simon C. Estok
Lipid biophysics of water loss through the skin

Abstract The regulation of water loss through the skin is a poorly understood but crucial process in maintaining terrestrial life-forms. In mammalian skin, the outermost layer, called the stratum corneum (SC), is rate-limiting to water loss. We have evaluated temperature-dependent changes in water vapor permeability and infrared spectra of porcine SC. In particular, we have analyzed the infrared absorption peaks due to the extracellular lipids of the SC. These results show a remarkable correlation between water permeability and the frequency of the C-H stretching vibrations over a broad range of temperature. Since the spectral changes reflect an increased number of alkyl gauche conformers, these results suggest that water permeability is dependent upon the hydrocarbon-chain disorder of SC lipids.
Atrazine-resistant cauliflower obtained by somatic hybridization between Brassica oleracea and ATR-B. napus.

Somatic hybridization between Brassica oleracea ssp. botrytis (cauliflower, 2n=18), carrying the Ogura (R1) male-sterile cytoplasm and B. napus (2n= 38), carrying a male-fertile, atrazine-resistant (ATR) cytoplasm, yielded three hybrids (2n=56) and six cauliflower cybrids (2n=18), which were selected for resistance to the herbicide in vitro. The hybrids and cybrids were male fertile and self-compatible. They contained both chloroplasts and mitochondria from the ATR cytoplasm. We found no evidence for mtDNA recombination in any of the regenerated plants. Selfed progeny of the B. oleracea atrazine-resistant cybrids were evaluated for tolerance to the herbicide in the field. Resistant plants exposed to 0.56–4.48 kg/ha (0.5–4.0 pounds/acre) atrazine in the soil showed no damage at any herbicide level, whereas plants of a susceptible alloplasmic line were severely damaged at the lowest level of herbicide application and killed at all higher levels. These atrazine-resistant cauliflower may have potential horticultural use, especially in fields where atrazine carry over is a serious problem.
ANTAGONISTIC ACTION OF CHLORIDES ON THE TOXICITY OF IODIDES TO CORN.

During recent investigations of the relation of iodine to plant nutrition^ we found iodides to exert toxic effects on corn at very much lower concentrations than had previously been reported by Maze (5). Maze's nutrient solutions contained 22 p.p.m. of added chlorides. Our solutions contained only such concentrations of chlorides as were carried as impurities by the salts and water used in their preparation. We therefore conducted experiments to determine whether chlorides antagonize the toxic effect of iodides
Elimination of pump-induced frequency jitter on fiber-laser frequency combs.

Optical frequency combs generated by femtosecond fiber lasers typically exhibit significant frequency noise that causes broad optical linewidths, particularly in the comb wings and in the carrier-envelope offset frequency (fceo) signal. We show these broad linewidths are mainly a result of white amplitude noise on the pump diode laser that leads to a breathing-like motion of the comb about a central fixed frequency. By a combination of passive noise reduction and active feedback using phase-lead compensation, this noise source is eliminated, thereby reducing the fceo linewidth from 250 kHz to <1 Hz. The in-loop carrier-envelope offset phase jitter, integrated to 100 kHz, is 1.3 rad.
Clinical trials and registries in cardiovascular disease: competitive or complementary?

> ‘My friend is not perfect—no more than I—and so we suit each other admirably.’ > > Alexander Pope Mortality from cardiovascular disease continues to decrease in developed countries, due to a combination of factors including changes in socioeconomic status, reduction in risk factors,1 application of results from clinical trials defining effective treatments, and the ability and infrastructure to translate these findings into clinical practice. We are fortunate to have new therapies that have been proven in large pragmatic trials to reduce mortality2 and other important clinical outcomes, and these serve as the mainstay of evidence-based clinical practice. Although dissemination of new and proven therapies into clinical practice leaves considerable room for improvement, adherence to guidelines has been associated with substantial improvement in outcomes in registries such as GRACE3 and CRUSADE.4 Documentation and public reporting of hospital performance on quality indicators, such as use of aspirin following myocardial infarction and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, aldosterone antagonists, and β-blockers for heart failure, has been an important part of a successful feedback loop in the ‘cycle of therapeutic development’.5 Unfortunately, much of what we do in practice rests on less secure evidence. Even for ST elevation myocardial infarction, arguably the most thoroughly studied condition in all of cardiovascular medicine, only 13% of the recommendations in the ACC/AHA guidelines … *Corresponding author. Tel: +1 919 668 8900, Fax: +1 919 668 7056, Email: grang001{at}dcri.duke.edu
Purification and Properties of Periplasmic 3′:5′-Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterase A NOVEL ZINC-CONTAINING ENZYME FROM THE MARINE SYMBIOTIC BACTERIUM VIBRIO FISCHERI

Abstract The 3′:5′-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (CNP) of Vibrio fischeri, due to its unusual location in the periplasm, allows this symbiotic bacterium to utilize extracellular 3′:5′-cyclic nucleotides (e.g. cAMP) as sole sources of carbon and energy, nitrogen, and phosphorus for growth. The enzyme was purified to apparent homogeneity by a four-step procedure: chloroform shock, ammonium sulfate precipitation, and chromotography on DEAE-Sephacel and Cibacron Blue 3GA-agarose. The active enzyme consists of a single polypeptide with a mass of 34 kDa. At 25°C, it has a pH optimum of 8.25, a K for cAMP of 73 μm, and a Vmax of 3700 μmol of cAMP hydrolyzed/min/mg protein (turnover number of 1.24 105/min). The specific activity of the V. fischeri enzyme is approximately 20-fold greater than that of any previously characterized CNP when comparisons of activity are made at the same assay temperature. Activity increases with temperature up to 60°C. The CNP contains 2 atoms of zinc/monomer, and zinc, copper, magnesium, and calcium can restore activity of the apoenzyme to varying degrees. The exceptional specific activity of the enzyme and its unusual location in the periplasm support proposals that the enzyme enables the bacterium to scavenge 3′:5′-cyclic nucleotides in seawater and that the enzyme plays a role in cAMP-mediated host-symbiont interactions.
Fighting Against the Injustice of the State and Globalization: Comparing the African American and Oromo Movements

Introduction The Development of Black Nationalism The Oromo National Movement The Impact of U.S. Foreign Policy on the Oromo National Struggle Comparing the African American and Oromo Movements Beyond Nationalism: The Challenges of a Revolutionary Multicultural Democracy
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of red oak- (Quercus rubra), black cherry- (Prunus serotina) and red pine- (Pinus resinosa) extracted wood surfaces

The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study of black cherry (Prunus serotina), red oak (Quercus rubra), and red pine (Pinus resinosa) wood samples extracted with ethanol, ethanol—toluene, and water was conducted to evaluate chemical modifications occurring on the wood surface due to wood extractives, and derive possible implications for wood utilization. Results obtained indicate an increase in the O/C values following extraction treatments due to the partial removal of high carbon content extractives. The C 1s peaks indicated a decrease in the area of the C1 peak, known to originate from lignin and extractives following extraction. At the same time, a rise in the C2 peak (mainly originating from cellulose and hemicelluloses) was observed, indicating that more cellulose was exposed on the wood surface following extraction. The O 1s peaks showed an increase in the O1 peak originating from cellulose, therefore confirming the trend observed for C 1s peaks. These results suggest that extracted wood is more wettable because of the increased exposure of high-oxygen-content cellulose molecules, known to be more hydrophilic than lignin and high carbon content extractives. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wheat gliadin: Digital imaging and database construction using a 4‐band reference system of agarose isoelectric focusing patterns

An isoelectric focusing method using thin-layer agarose gel has been developed for wheat gliadin. Using flat-bed units with a third electrode, up to 72 samples per gel may be analyzed. Advantages over traditional acid polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis methodology include: faster run times, nontoxic media, and greater sample capacity. The method is suitable for fingerprinting or purity testing of wheat varieties. Using digital images captured by a flat-bed scanner, a 4-band reference system using isoelectric points was devised. Software enables separated bands to be assigned pI values based upon reference tracks. Precision of assigned isoelectric points is shown to be on the order of 0.02 pH units. Captured images may be stored in a computer database and compared to unknown patterns to enable an identification. Parameters for a match with a stored pattern may be adjusted for pI interval required for a match, and number of best matches.
Development of piezoelectric oscillator sensor for in vivo monitoring of capsule formation around soft-tissue implants

Two types of piezoelectric wafer active sensor (PWAS) oscillators, Colpitts-type PWAS oscillator and series-type PWAS oscillator, designed for in-vivo monitoring of capsule formation around soft tissue implants have been presented. Both of the oscillators were explored analytically and experimentally. Colpitts-type PWAS oscillator uses the inductive property of the PWAS in its resonant frequency range and operates at the first resonant frequency of the PWAS. However, it is too sensitive to the surrounding damping. Therefore, it may not be an appropriate candidate for in-vivo application. For the series-type PWAS oscillator, some preliminary experiments showed that this type of oscillator can tell the difference in viscosity/damping conditions of different media. More work, such as calibration of output of the oscillator, needs to be done before using it in in-vivo monitoring of capsule formation.
Spectral densities for hot QCD plasmas in a leading-log approximation

We compute the spectral densities of ${T}^{\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\nu}}$ and ${J}^{\ensuremath{\mu}}$ in high-temperature QCD plasmas at small frequency and momentum, $\ensuremath{\omega},k~{g}^{4}T$. The leading log Boltzmann equation is reformulated as a Fokker-Planck equation with nontrivial boundary conditions, and the resulting partial differential equation is solved numerically in momentum space. The spectral densities of the current, shear, sound, and bulk channels exhibit a smooth transition from free-streaming quasiparticles to ideal hydrodynamics. This transition is analyzed with conformal and nonconformal second-order hydrodynamics and a second-order diffusion equation. We determine all of the second-order transport coefficients that characterize the linear response in the hydrodynamic regime.
A Developmental Study of the Effects of Irrelevant Information on Speeded Classification.

Abstract The study examined how well subjects were able to ignore the presence of irrelevant stimulus information as a function of age. Children aged 6, 9, and 12, as well as adult subjects sorted cards with one binary dimension relevant, and zero, one, or two dimensions irrelevant. Speed of classification was measured. Significant effects of age, sex, number of irrelevant dimensions, and relevant dimension on speed of classification were obtained, as well as a number of interactions of these variables. The most important finding was that the presence of irrelevant information interfered with the performance of the task by child subjects and that the magnitude of the interference declined with age. The results were interpreted as implying that developmental trends in attention may be most clearly demonstrated in tasks which require speeded processing of stimuli. The ease of administration of the speeded classification task, coupled with the clear developmental trends obtained, recommend this paradigm as a useful one with which to study the development of selective attention.
The Fatty Acid Composition of Maternal Diet Affects the Response to Excitotoxic Neural Injury in Neonatal Rat Pups

Abstract Fatty acids and their derivatives play a role in the response to neural injury. The effects of prenatal and postnatal dietary fatty acid composition on excitotoxic neural injury were investigated in neonatal rat pups. Dams were fed during gestation and lactation a diet whose fat source was either corn oil or menhaden fish oil. On postnatal day 3, litters were culled to 10 per dam. On postnatal day 4, excitotoxic neural injury was induced by infusion of the glutamate analog N -methyl- dl -aspartate (NMA) into the left cerebral hemisphere. Three days later, pups were killed and brains were removed for histological and volume assessments. Levels of arachidonic acid were 2.3-fold higher in cerebrums of pups in the corn oil group than in the fish oil group. Left cerebral hemispheres among all pups were atrophic. Right cerebral hemispheres of pups in the corn oil group showed more histological evidence of edema, and had significantly higher volumes than pups in the fish oil group (66 vs. 42 mm 2 , p = 0.007). These data suggest that the fatty acid composition of prenatal and/or postnatal diet can affect the neonatal response to excitotoxic neural injury.
Theory of two-photon photothermal deflection spectroscopy in stationary and flowing media for arbitrary optical pulse length

A general theory of pulsed two-photon photothermal deflection spectroscopy (PTDS) is presented. We find that there are significant enough differences in the amplitude and temporal evolution of PTDS signals between the results of the single- and two-photon theories that if one tries to interpret two-photon data with single-photon theory, the extracted values may be considerably in error. Our theory is sufficiently general that it incorporates both stationary and flowing media and considers optical pulses of arbitrary length. Moreover, the temporal profile of the optical pulse is explicitly taken into account. The two-photon absorption coefficient is explicitly expressed in terms of oscillator strengths and Clebsch–Gordan coefficients, and the Doppler width for both co-propagating and counter-propagating beams is taken into account. Although the theory is primarily developed for atomic and molecular vapors, it can easily be adapted for condensed matter by expressing the absorption coefficient in terms of the properties of the liquid or solid under investigation.
Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy: Factors Associated with Outcomes and Complications

Abstract Objectives In recent years ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) has become an increasingly popular treatment for varicose veins. Although many published series detail the results of UGFS, little is known about the factors which are associated with outcomes and complications. The aim of this study was to identify these factors. Design A review of a prospectively collected database of UGFS which commenced in July 2007. Methods A successful outcome was defined as complete occlusion of the target vein on duplex scanning at follow-up. Eight factors were assessed to determine whether they were associated with outcomes and complications. These factors were age, gender, compliance with post-procedure compression hosiery, previous varicose vein surgery, single or multiple sites of injection, concentration of sclerosant, volume of sclerosant and pre-procedure severity score. Results Between July 2007 and July 2009, a total of 126 patients (60 men, 66 women) attended follow-up visits and had a post-procedure duplex scan. Targets for UGFS included the great saphenous vein (n = 75), small saphenous vein (n = 13) and anterior accessory great saphenous vein (n = 8). The remainder of procedures involved other veins or more than a single target vein. The median timing of follow-up was 3 months (range 1.5–14 months) with duplex scans revealing complete occlusion of the target vein in 79% of patients. The only factor associated with a successful outcome was compliance with post-procedure compression hosiery (p Conclusions These data suggest that compliance with post-procedure compression hosiery and gender are important factors associated with a successful outcome and reported complications following UGFS, respectively.
The use of kidney biopsy of broodstock steelhead trout (Oncorhyncus mykiss) to determine the status of bacterial kidney disease infection.

of other staining methods, including immunohistochemical techniques. Mounting small biopsy specimens on cucumber slices allowed for easier manipulation and visualization of tissues. This procedure enabled specimens that were too small to manipulate to remain intact during processing and embedment. In addition, the cucumber slice served as an aid for proper orientation of the specimen. Albumin was not used for adherence of the specimen to the cucumber, as has been reported. Utilization of the end paper during processing ensured adhesion of the specimen to the cucumber and serves as a small field to work in while embedding. This procedure can be employed for virtually any tissue specimen for which proper orientation or loss of a specimen during processing is a concern. Acknowledgements. We thank Robin Olmscheid and Tom
Kinetic evaluation in nonhuman primates of two new PET ligands for peripheral benzodiazepine receptors in brain.

Peripheral benzodiazepine receptors (PBRs) are upregulated on acti- vated microglia and are, thereby, biomarkers of cellular inflammation in brain. We recently developed two PET ligands with an aryloxyanilide structure to image PBRs and now evaluate the kinetics of these radiotracers in monkey to determine whether they are suitable to explore in human. Baseline and receptor-blocking scans were per- formed with ( 11 C)PBR01 and ( 18 F)PBR06 in conjunction with serial measurements of the arterial plasma concentration of parent radiotracer separated from radiometabo- lite. We used brain and plasma data with compartmental modeling to calculate re- gional brain distribution volume, which is equal to the ratio at equilibrium of the con- centration of radioligand in brain to that of plasma. The distribution volume of ( 11 C)PBR01 was inaccurately estimated in the baseline scans, possibly because of the short half-life of 11 C or the presence of radiometabolite in brain. In contrast, the distri- bution volume of ( 18 F)PBR06 was stably determined within 200 min of scanning, and nondisplaceable uptake was only � 10% of total brain uptake. ( 18 F)PBR06 is promising for use in human because brain activity could be quantified with standard compart- mental models and showed higher ratios (� 10:1) of specific to nonspecific uptake. A critical factor for human use will be whether the tracer has adequately fast wash out from brain relative to the half-life of the radionuclide to obtain stable values of distri-
Causal attributions regarding personal exercise goal attainment in exerciser schematics and aschematics

Key factors motivating persons to adopt and adhere to regular exercise are frequently examined but have not yet been clearly identified. Schema Theory and Attribution Theory have been shown to predict exercise and other health-enhancing behaviors. We examined the role of exercise schemata related to perceived success or failure in self-determined exercise goal and ACSM frequency guideline attainment in an adult sample. The findings supported previous exercise behavior results. Exerciser schematics exercised more frequently, for longer duration per exercise session/bout, and reported higher levels of subjective exercise intensity. Exerciser schematics had higher levels of self-efficacy and positive outcome expectancies for exercise, and were more than four times more likely to rate exercise goal attainment success than failure. Attribution internality, stability, and personal control over exercise were predictive of exerciser schemata and schematics were more likely (OR = 24.16) to meet exercise frequency ...
A Data-Driven Movement Model for Single Cellphone-Based Indoor Positioning

Indoor localization is a promising area with applications in in-home monitoring and tracking. Fingerprinting and propagation model-based WiFi localization techniques have limited spatial resolution because of grid or graph-based representations. An alternative is to incorporate dynamics models based on real-time sensing of human movement and fuse these with WiFi measurements. We present a data-driven dynamic model that tracks the inherent periodicity in walking and converts this representation into velocity. This model however is prone to drift. We correct this drift with WiFi measurements to obtain a combined position estimate. Our approach records and fuses human body movement with WiFi positioning using a single mobile phone. We characterize the movement model to obtain an estimate of error predictions. The movement model showed a best case average RMS prediction error of .25 m/s. We also present a preliminary study characterizing combined system performance across straight line and L-shaped trajectories. The framework showed lower errors across the L-shaped trajectories (mean error = 4.8 m using movement sensing versus a mean error = 6 m without movement sensing) because of the ability assess the validity of a WiFi measurement. Higher errors were observed across the straight line trajectory due to imprecise trajectories.
The “Acts” of Paul: micro-processes and new institution creation

How do new institutions get created? And what role do micro-processes play in this creative process? To date, there have been minimal efforts to fully describe and model the process by which the discrete and various micro-level activities of institutional actors contribute to the creation of new institutions. Drawing from recent scholarship in institutional work, in this paper, I employ a grounded theory approach to the life and works of Paul of Tarsus as recorded in biblical texts to develop a process model of the creation of a new institution which emphasizes micro-level processes, particularly sensemaking. The model centers on two simultaneous and iterative processes by which Paul crafts a message for his various audiences and reinforces these teachings with behavioral, relational, and doctrinal structures. The emergence of an institution is conceived as the long-term accretion of many discrete institutional acts.