cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Global rates of glaucoma surgery.

To estimate global rates of glaucoma surgery. National glaucoma and national ophthalmology societies were contacted to obtain rates of glaucoma surgery for the preceding 5 years. In countries without a professional society, leading ophthalmologists or non-governmental organizations (NGO) were approached. When available, published literature was used for the estimates. Three levels of evidence were assigned: published data from central government or insurance registries (level I), estimates provided by a national professional society based on survey of members (level II), and estimates based on data from individual glaucoma surgeons (level III). Glaucoma surgical rate (GSR) was defined as the annual number of total glaucoma surgeries performed per million population. Linear regression analysis was performed between GSR and the following parameters: population per ophthalmologist, per capita gross domestic product (GDP), and per capita health expenditures. Seventy-three glaucoma societies, 35 ophthalmology societies, as well as six NGOs and 37 leading ophthalmologists (11 other countries) were contacted. Data were obtained from 38 countries (10 level I, 23 level II, and 5 lev el III) with a total population of 1.723 billion. The average GSR was 139.2 ± 113.1 (range, 2.9–500.0). There was a positive correlation between GSR and GDP (r2 = 0.309, P = 0.0004) and GSR and the number of ophthalmologists (r2 = 0.476, P < 0.0001). There is a paucity of data on rates of glaucoma surgery, particularly from developing countries. The new metric GSR may be useful for the allocation of healthcare resources, as well as for planning and monitoring public health interventions in glaucoma.
Temporal Lobe Epilepsy - A Syndrome Of Sensory-Limbic Hyperconnection

Psychological changes in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy are considered. Prior observations of correlated psychiatric diagnoses and objections to these are reviewed. Specific features of behavior and thought, derived from the literature and clinical experience, are suggested as a more effective way of characterizing the interictal syndrome; their accuracy is supported by quantitative results of an ongoing study, Enhanced affective association is proposed as a mechanism underlying these diverse features. This is interpreted in the light of theoretical and experimental accounts that anatomical connection between sensory and limbic structures are established within the temporal lobe. In contrast to sensory limbic disconnection which results in dissociation of stimuli from affective values, it is suggested that the epileptic process effects sensory limbic hyperconnection, leading to a suffusion of experience with emotional coloration.
CSF-suppressed quantitative single-shot diffusion imaging.

A CSF-suppressed, inversion-recovery (IR) single-shot diffusion sequence was used to demonstrate that CSF makes a dominant contribution to the nonmonoexponential diffusion decay behavior observed in cortical gray matter brain tissue. © 1991 Academic Press, Inc.
Molecular and mechanical bases of focal lipid accumulation in arterial wall

Abstract Mechanical forces such as shear stress can modulate gene and protein expressions and hence cellular functions by activating membrane sensors and intracellular signaling. Using cultured endothelial cells, we have shown that laminar shear stress causes a transient increase in monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) expression, which involves the Ras-MAP kinase signaling pathway. We have demonstrated that integrins and the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor Flk-1 can sense shear stress, with integrins being upstream to Flk-1. Other possible membrane components involved in the sensing of shear stress include G-protein coupled receptors, intercellular junction proteins, membrane glycocalyx, and the lipid bilayer. Mechano-transduction involves the participation of a multitude of sensors, signaling molecules, and genes. Microarray analysis has demonstrated that shear stress can upregulate and downregulate different genes. Sustained shear stress downregulates atherogenic genes (e.g., MCP-1 and the genes that facilitate lipid accumulation) and upregulates growth-arrest genes. In contrast, disturbed flow observed at branch points and simulated in step-flow channels causes sustained activation of MCP-1 and the genes facilitating cell turnover and lipid accumulation. These findings provide a molecular basis for the explanation of the preferential localization of atherosclerotic lesions at regions of disturbed flow, such as the arterial branch points. The combination of mechanics and biology (from molecules–cells to organs–systems) can help to elucidate the physiological processes of mechano-chemical transduction and improving the methods of the management of important clinical conditions such as coronary artery disease.
Unintended Experimenter Behavior as Evaluated by Japanese and American Observers

(1972). Unintended Experimenter Behavior as Evaluated by Japanese and American Observers. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 88, No. 1, pp. 91-106.
Temperature modulation of the stereochemistry of enzymatic catalysis: Prospects for exploitation

The use of physical variables to control the stereochemical outcome of enzymecatalysed reactions is of great interest in biocatalysis. The effects of temperature on stereochemistry were not understood and fully appreciated until recently. This article indicates how temperature can influence the stereochemistry of enzymatic reactions, and reviews the prospects for future applications of temperature modulation of the stereochemical course of enzymatic reactions.
Cervical ranula due to an ectopic sublingual gland

Summary While it has not been previously presented in the literature, a case of cervical ranula due to an anatomical aberration in position of the sublingual gland has been discussed. Its position, extent and location being entirely cervical below the mylohyoid muscle necessitated its surgical excision extraorally. Complete enucleation of the ranula sac and excision of the sublingual gland should ensure that there is no recurrence.
Career Commitment of Postprofessional Athletic Training Program Graduates

Context: Choosing to pursue an advanced degree in athletic training appears to indicate professional commitment and passion for the profession. Currently, there is a paucity of information regardin...
Students' Perceived Closeness to Professors: The Effects of School, Professor Gender, and Student Gender.

The present study is a replication and expansion of F. J. Crosby and L. M. Reinardy's 1993 study, which found that female college students felt closer to female professors than to male professors. While the original study was conducted at a women's college, the present study includes students at a women's college, a coed college that was previously a women's college, a coed college that was previously a men's college, and a large university. Seventy-four percent of students were Caucasian, 7% Asian, 5.5% African American, 3% Latino/Latina, 0.5% Native American, 5.5% Mixed Race, and 4% Other. Feelings of closeness were examined as a function of institution, professor gender, and student gender. It was again found that students at the women's college felt closer to female professors than to male professors. This affinity for female professors held true for both male and female students at the other three institutions. Additionally, students at the previously women's college felt closer to their professors than did students at either the university or the previously men's college. The importance of female professors in higher education are considered.
Heparin inhibits c-fos and c-myc mRNA expression in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Abstract Heparin is a potent inhibitor of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) growth. In this paper we show that heparin suppressed the induction of c-fos and c-myc mRNA in rat and calf VSMC. This effect of heparin is closely associated with its growth-inhibitory activity, as shown by isolating and characterizing a strain of rat VSMC that was resistant to heparin's antiproliferative effect; heparin did not suppress c-fos mRNA induction in these cells. Moreover, neither a nonantiproliferative heparin fragment or other glycosaminoglycans that lack growth-inhibitory activity repressed c-fos or c-myc mRNA levels. The effect of heparin on c-fos mRNA induction was selective for specific mitogens, as heparin inhibited c-fos mRNA induction in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA) stimulated but not epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulated VSMC. The effect of heparin on gene expression is independent of ongoing protein synthesis, and inhibition of c-fos mRNA is at the transcriptional level. These results suggest that heparin may selectively inhibit a protein kinase C-dependent pathway for protooncogene induction and that this may be one mechanism used by heparin to inhibit cell proliferation.
A fatigue life analysis of small fragment screws.

OBJECTIVES: To conduct a comparative fatigue analysis of several commonly used small fragment screws. DESIGN: Biomechanical laboratory study. SETTING: Research laboratory. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: A fatigue life analysis of seven different types of small fragment screws was conducted using a Wohler fatigue-testing machine. Four different types of 3.5-millimeter cortical screws were subjected to fatigue analysis. These included solid stainless steel screws from Synthes Ltd. (core diameter 2.4 millimeters), Zimmer Inc. (core diameter 2.4 millimeter), and Smith and Nephew Richards Inc. (core diameter 2.4 millimeters) and cannulated stainless steel screws from Synthes Ltd. (core diameter 2.5 millimeters). In addition, three types of 4.0-millimeter cancellous screws were tested. These included stainless steel screws from Synthes Ltd. (core diameter 1.9 millimeters), titanium screws from Synthes Ltd. (core diameter 2.0 millimeters), and titanium alloy screws from DePuy-Ace (core diameter 2.8 millimeters). Fatigue lives, as reflected by mean cycles to failure, were compared. RESULTS: The four types of cortical screws had longer fatigue lives than the Synthes cancellous screws did ( p < 0.001) but shorter fatigue lives than the DePuy-Ace cancellous screws did ( p < 0.0001). Among the cortical screws, the cannulated and solid Synthes screws and the solid Zimmer screws did not differ statistically. The Smith and Nephew Richards cortical screws failed at statistically fewer cycles than the Synthes solid and cannulated cortical screws did ( p < 0.003) but did not statistically differ from the Zimmer screws. The DePuy-Ace titanium alloy cancellous screw had the longest fatigue life of the tested implants by a large margin ( p < 0.0001). The Synthes pure titanium and stainless steel cancellous screws did not significantly differ. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis supports core diameter as the principal factor determining fatigue life as the results paralleled implant geometry. This design modification to improve bending and fatigue strength may come at a price to pullout strength, however, because of a decreased major-to-minor diameter and increased pitch. Cortical screws differed in fatigue performance despite identical dimensions, presumably highlighting the importance of implant processing and machining. Cannulated cortical screws performed well relative to solid screws, thereby supporting their clinical use. Pure titanium and stainless steel cancellous screws performed similarly in fatigue despite differing material properties, presumably because of geometric design differences. This report highlights some of the differences in the in vitro fatigue performance among several commonly used small fragment screws.
Information Prescription and Information Therapy: Practicing Medicine in the Information Age

Gavgani et al., through their systematic review, explore the existing evidence in the area of information prescription and information therapy. The application of Information prescription and information therapy has been explored in a number of developed countries through randomized trials and observational studies. The low awareness about these concepts among medical practitioners has been highlighted. This commentary highlights the routes for IP/Ix dissemination and its application in current medical practice.
Molecular and Biochemical Effects of a Kola Nut Extract on Androgen Receptor-Mediated Pathways

The low incidence of prostate cancer in Asians has been attributed to chemopreventative properties of certain chemicals found in their diet. This study characterized the androgenic and chemopreventative properties of the Jamaican bush tea "Bizzy," using androgen receptor positive and negative cell lines. Exposure of prostate cells to Biz-2 resulted in a growth inhibition (GI(50)) of 15 ppm in LNCaP cells and 3.6 ppm in DU145 cells. Biz-2 elicited a 2-fold increase in the mRNA of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl2, with a 10-fold increase in that of the proapoptotic gene Bax. We observed a 2.4- to 7.5-fold change in apoptotic cells in both cell lines. Biz-2 at 10 ppm elicited a time- and dose-dependent stimulation of both the protein and mRNA levels of several androgen-regulated genes. Biz-2 caused a 36% decrease in PSA secretion and a significant increase in PSA mRNA. The relative binding affinity (IC(50)) of Biz-2 for AR was 2- to 5-fold lower than that of the synthetic androgen R1881. Biz-2 was found to be a specific ligand for the AR in that the natural ligand, DHT, and the anti-androgen, flutamide, displaced Biz-2 bound to AR and inhibited Biz-2-induced transcription and PSA secretion. This study provided evidence that Biz-2 extract possesses the ability to modulate prostate cancer cell biology in an AR-dependent manner.
Simulations and cosmological inference: A statistical model for power spectra means and covariances

We describe an approximate statistical model for the sample variance distribution of the nonlinear matter power spectrum that can be calibrated from limited numbers of simulations. Our model retains the common assumption of a multivariate normal distribution for the power spectrum band powers but takes full account of the (parameter-dependent) power spectrum covariance. The model is calibrated using an extension of the framework in Habib et al. (2007) to train Gaussian processes for the power spectrum mean and covariance given a set of simulation runs over a hypercube in parameter space. We demonstrate the performance of this machinery by estimating the parameters of a power-law model for the power spectrum. Within this framework, our calibrated sample variance distribution is robust to errors in the estimated covariance and shows rapid convergence of the posterior parameter constraints with the number of training simulations.
Conspecific and heterospecific song discrimination in male zebra finches with lesions in the anterior forebrain pathway

Adult zebra finches can produce normal song in the absence of Area X, IMAN, or DLM, nuclei that constitute the anterior forebrain pathway of songbirds. Here, we address whether lesions involving Area X and IMAN affect adult male zebra finches' ability to discriminate between conspecific or heterospecific songs. Intact birds and lesioned birds were trained on an operant GO/NOGO conditioning paradigm to discriminate between hetero- or conspecific songs. Both lesioned and intact birds were able to learn all discriminations. Lesioned and intact birds performed equivalently on canary song discriminations. In contrast, discriminations involving bird's own song took significantly more trails to learn for lesioned birds than for intact birds. Discrimination between conspecific songs in general also took longer in the lesioned birds, but missed significance level. Birds with control lesions medial to Area X did not show any differences from intact animals. Our results suggest that an intact anterior forebrain pathway is not required to discriminate between heterospecific songs. In contrast, Area X and IMAN contribute to a male zebra finch's ability to discriminate between its own song and that of other zebra finches.
Design and Evaluation of High Pressure Fuel Valve Nozzles Using the Method of Characteristics and CFD

The topic of this paper is the design of fuel valve nozzles for natural gas engines that maximize the kinetic energy and momentum of the injected fuel and maintain a required mass flow rate. The nozzle design used both the method of characteristics and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Three types of nozzles were designed: a converging-diverging nozzle, three conical nozzles and an aerospike nozzle. The evaluation of the performance of the nozzle designs was conducted using Computational Fluid Dynamics. CFD simulations were used to calculate the average axial momentum per unit fuel mass and the average kinetic energy per unit fuel mass in the jets emanating from each nozzle. The performance was computed in off-design conditions (2.9MPa, 3.1MPa) as well as for the nominal design supply pressure of 3 MPa. Results showed that for the new nozzle designs, the average axial momentum per unit mass was improved by 17 to 24% and the average kinetic energy per unit fuel mass was improved by 30 to 80% compared with a standard shrouded poppet valve. Of the candidate designs, the converging-diverging nozzle gave the best performance, and the simple 15 degree conical nozzle also performed very well.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
P04.32. Acupuncture and heart rate variability: a systems level approach to understanding mechanism

Recent research has elucidated several different mechanisms for acupuncture. However, the interrelationship between these mechanisms and how acupuncture affects complex physiological systems is still not understood. Heart rate Variability (HRV), the beat-to-beat fluctuations in the rhythm of the heart, results from the regulation of the heart by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Low HRV is associated with increased risk of allcause mortality and is a marker for a wide range of diseases. Coherent HRV patterns are associated with increased synchronization between the two branches of the ANS, and when sustained for long periods of time result in increased synchronization and entrainment between multiple body systems. There is strong evidence from randomized placebo controlled trials that acupuncture modulates HRV. This may represent a mechanistic pathway for global physiological regulation, which is congruent with East Asian medical theory. The ability of acupuncture to improve HRV could be used as a tool in acupuncture research and practice to monitor treatment effectiveness and the impact on quality of life.
Calibration of a two-dimensional hydrodynamics model

Abstract This paper reports the approach and results of calibrating a two-dimensional hydrodynamics model. The model was applied to Humboldt Bay, California, and calibrated with synoptic tidal data at four locations. The model calibration was done by using both a trial-and-error approach and a parameter identification (PI) method. For the given finite-difference grid resolution and field observations, the calibration attempt revealed that the two methods produced two different sets of parameters, but with almost identical comparisons between the model solutions and observations. The study results indicate that the appropriate range of model parameter values can be more efficiently identified by parameter identification method, and the best calibration strategy is to use both methods conjunctively.
Risk Stratification and Prognostic Factors in the Post-Myocardial Infarction Patient

Among the 5 million patients presenting to emergency departments with chest pain each year in the United States, approximately 1 million are diagnosed with myocardial infarction (MI). Physicians have the difficult task of making decisions regarding admission and treatment and identifying patients at high risk for adverse outcomes, such as early mortality, left ventricular dysfunction (LVD), and heart failure. Several measures can be implemented in the process of risk assessment, including clinical judgment, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings, and the presence of biomarkers. Biomarkers—which can be classified as antecedent, screening, diagnostic, staging, or prognostic—may help identify the subset of patients who need early intervention and/or intensive therapy. Using a multimarker strategy that combines a marker of hemodynamic stress (brain natriuretic peptide) or of inflammation (C-reactive protein) with a marker of necrosis (cardiac troponin) may help to risk-stratify patients, guide treatment, and optimize admission and discharge decisions. This article discusses the potential benefits of risk assessment tools in the management of post-MI patients with LVD.
Nucleotide sequence of Lymantria dispar nuclear polyhedrosis virus polyhedrin gene

The polyhedrin gene of the nuclear polyhedrosis virus of the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) (LdMNPV) was cloned and sequenced. A polyhedrin open reading frame of 735 nucleotides (nt) was identified which can code for a protein of 245 amino acids that demonstrates a high degree of similarity to other polyhedrins. The protein predicted from the nucleotide sequence shows differences in several regions to that previously sequenced from the LdMNPV polyhedrin protein. The consensus sequence AATAAGTATTTT found at the mRNA start site of baculovirus hyperexpressed genes was located 55 nt upstream from the translational start site.
Effects of yeast extract and glucose on xanthan production and cell growth in batch culture of Xanthomonas campestris

Although available kinetic data provide a useful insight into the effects of medium composition on xanthan production by Xanthomonas campestris, they cannot account for the synergetic effects of carbon (glucose) and nitrogen (yeast extract) substrates on cell growth and xanthan production. In this work, we studied the effects of the glucose/yeast-extract ratio (G/YE) in the medium on cell growth and xanthan production in various operating modes, including batch, two-stage batch, and fed-batch fermentations. In general, both the xanthan yield and specific production rate increased with increasing G/YE in the medium, but the cell yield and specific growth rate decreased as G/YE increased. A two-stage batch fermentation with a G/YE shift from an initial low level (2.5% glucose/0.3% yeast extract) to a high level (5.0% glucose/0.3% yeast extract) at the end of the exponential growth phase was found to be preferable for xanthan production. This two-stage fermentation design both provided fast cell growth and gave a high xanthan yield and xanthan production rate. In contrast, fed-batch fermentation with intermittent additions of glucose to the fermentor during the stationary phase was not favorable for xanthan production because of the relatively low G/YE resulting in low xanthan production rate and yield. It is also important to use a moderately high yeast extract concentration in the medium in order to reach a high cell density before the culture enters the stationary phase. A high cell density is also important to the overall xanthan production rate.
Status report: Direct track detector dosimetry in negative pion beams

Abstract Cellulose nitrate and Lexan polycarbonate track detectors have been exposed in a water phantom to 350 Rad in a stopping negative pion beam. The dose is measured at the “peak” or star region. The vertical beam from the Biomedical Channel at the Los Alamos Medium-Energy Physics Facility (LAMPF) was used. Heavy ions from negative pion interactions in the “peak” region and “plateau”, or entrance, region were determined by the step etch technique. The ions, and thus the linear energy transfer spectrum from pion interactions with oxygen, have been tentatively identified. The cellulose nitrate track detectors have also been used to measure superficial dose contours of the high LET portion of the peak pion beam in the first human biology trails. These results will be discussed.
Polynomial-time implication problems for unary inclusion dependencies

Unary inclusion dependencies are database constraints expressing subset relationships. The decidability of implication for these dependencies together with embedded implicational dependencies, such as functional dependencies, are investigated. As shown by Casanova et al., the unrestricted and finite implication problems are different for the class of functional and unary inclusion dependencies; also, for this class and for any fixed k, finite implication has no k-ary complete axiomatization. For both of these problems, complete axiomatizations and polynomial-time decision procedures are provided: linear time for unrestricted implication and cubic time for finite implication. It follows that functional and unary inclusion dependencies form a semantically natural class of first-order sentences with equality, which although not finitely controllable, is efficiently solvable and docile. Generalizing from these results, it is shown that the interaction between functional and inclusion dependencies characterizes: (1) unrestricted implication of unary inclusion and all embedded implicational dependencies; (2) finite implication of unary inclusion and all full implicational dependencies; (3) finite implication of unary inclusion and all embedded tuple-generating dependencies. As a direct consequence of this analysis, most of the applications of dependency implication are extended, within polynomial-time, to database design problems involving unary inclusion dependencies. Such examples are tests for lossless joins and tests for complementarity of projective views. Finally, if one additionally requires that
Sabal minor (Arecaceae): a New Northern Record of Palms in Eastern North America

Abstract We report a new Sabal minor county record for North Carolina that represents the furthest known northern population of the largely tropical family Arecaceae in eastern North America. We give a brief introduction to Sabal and explain why this S. minor population may represent a northward range expansion in response to climate warming in northeast North Carolina. Finally, we discuss the usefulness of both historical herbarium specimens and modern day botanical collections to research on climate change and plant population responses.
Using the Internet as an analytical instrument

Analytical chemists are presented daily with a variety of real-world questions in which the chemical identification and quantification of a sample is the simplest part of the problem. In the past decade, the Internet has moved from the realm of computer science to all areas of life. The power of the Internet to augment traditional chemical analysis is beginning to be tapped to move the instrumental analysis course beyond simple chemical identification and quantification of ersatz samples to complete solution of problems. Complete solution of a problem is achieved when the analyst determines not just what an unknown sample is, but what it is used for and why. In contrast to analysis of the same laboratory mixtures year after year, complete solution of real problems intensifies student interest in laboratory experimentation, especially when a solution to a seemingly difficult problem is achieved in one afternoon. The result suggests that instrumental analysis laboratories should install Internet computers in the lab beside the usual instruments and teach Internet techniques along with instrumental theory and practice.
An information-hiding metric

Abstract The most critical problem facing developers and maintainers of large software systems is overwhelming complexity. Abstraction, a powerful tool for dealing with complexity, limits details that must be considered to those that are most relevant. Programming languages have evolved to provide a high-level construct, called a module or a class, that supports abstraction by allowing the encapsulation of details and enforcing information hiding. Programs written in these modular programming languages should be designed to produce programs that are easier to understand, modify, and test. This article describes the creation of metrics for information hiding at the module level. The relationship between the information-hiding metrics and the maintainability of programs is examined by use of subjective validation and a case study of a large Ada program.
Hemodynamic assessment of local anesthetic administration by laser Doppler flowmetry

Abstract Objective: The hemodynamic effects of local anesthetic administration with and without a vasoconstrictor were compared by using laser Doppler flowmetry. Study Design: Seventeen people participated in a single study session in which they were given 2 intraoral injections. The injections, which were administered in random order, consisted of 1.8 mL lidocaine (2%) with epinephrine (1:100,000) and mepivacaine (3%). Hemodynamic parameters consisting of blood pressure, heart rate, and laser Doppler flowmetry were reordered at regular intervals. Results: The laser Doppler flowmeter detected changes in the peripheral perfusion of the finger that were not detected by changes in blood pressure and heart rate. The greatest change was associated with anxiety and occurred just before the injection. The inclusion of epinephrine in the local anesthetic resulted in a persistence of these changes. Conclusion: This investigation has confirmed the sensitivity of laser Doppler flowmetry as an investigational tool for assessing hemodynamic changes associated with anxiety and the administration of local anesthesia. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2001;91:526-30)
Radiation characteristics of microstrip arrays with parasitic elements

The radiation characteristics of microstrip antennas consisting of one centre-fed patch and several identical parasitic patches are studied experimentally. The configurations investigated include a five-element cross and three- and seven-element linear arrays. A significant increase in gain is obtained by using close interelement spacing, with no degradation in pattern characteristics.
Numerical simulation and experimental validation of solids flows in a bubbling fluidized bed

Abstract A transient two-phase simulation reactor model for describing the hydrodynamics in a bubbling-fluidized bed was performed. A summary of the numerical method refined for over a decade is presented. The hydrodynamic model, based on the two-fluid theory, was validated with regards to the solids flow patterns in a fluidized bed operated under isothermal conditions. The predicted trends compared well with the experimental solids velocity field. The simulation appears to mimic experimental results accurately: both the simulation and the experiment show that the solids motion follows a `gulf–stream' pattern with solids rising upward in the middle of the bed and falling downward near the side walls. The weak vortex patterns observed in the lower portion of the bed have also been simulated. Comparison of predicted and experimental axial solids velocities were in generally good agreement. This good agreement was found to be a function of the solids viscosity and not of the nonuniform inlet gas velocity.
Deuterium quadrupole coupling constants of 8-deuterated purine bases and nucleosides

Abstract Deuterium quadrupole coupling constants and asymmetry parameters for seven 8-deuterated purine derivatives—9-ethylademne, 9-ethylguamne, adenosine, guanosine, inosine, 5′-AMP, and 5′—GMP-have been determined by solid state 2H quadrupole echo NMR spectroscopy and lineshape fitting techniques. Effects of crystallographic nonequivalence, which are particularly large for guanosine, have been observed upon the deuterium powder patterns and 13C CPMAS spectra.
Hematology, ASH, and the anemia of the aged.

Last year when I served as ASH president, during the society's regular meetings with several institutes of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), we learned that the National Institute on Aging (NIA) had just completed the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), which
Systematic review of HIV prevention interventions in China: a health communication perspective

To examine whether communication strategies and principles have been utilized in the HIV prevention intervention programs conducted in China. Comprehensive literature searches were conducted using PsycINFO, Medline, and Academic Search Complete with combinations of a number of keywords. Studies were included if they (1) were conducted in China and published prior to October 2011; (2) tested interventions promoting HIV/sexual risk reduction; and (3) reported empirical outcome evaluations on HIV knowledge, condom use and other condom-related variables. Data on 11 dimensions were extracted and analyzed, including formative research, theory, message targeting, messenger and channels, process evaluation, evaluation design, outcome measures. The majority of the 45 intervention studies were not theory-based, did not report conducting formative research or process evaluation, used pretest–posttest control group designs, combined nonmedia channels, printed and visual materials, and employed HIV knowledge and condom use as outcome measures. Many HIV prevention interventions in China have been successful in reducing HIV risk-related outcomes. This literature has its weaknesses; however, the current review illuminates gaps in the literature and points to important future directions for research.
Poeciliid male mate preference is influenced by female size but not by fecundity

While female mate preference is very well studied, male preference has only recently begun to receive significant attention. Its existence is found in numerous taxa, but empirical research has mostly been limited to a descriptive level and does not fully address the factors influencing its evolution. We attempted to address this issue using preference functions by comparing the strength of male preference for females of different sizes in nine populations of four poeciliid species. Due to environmental constraints (water toxicity and surface versus cave habitat), females from these populations vary in the degree to which their size is correlated to their fecundity. Hence, they vary in how their size signals their quality as mates. Since female size is strongly correlated with fecundity in this subfamily, males were sequentially presented with conspecific females of three different size categories and the strength of their preference for each was measured. Males preferred larger females in all populations, as predicted. However, the degree to which males preferred each size category, as measured by association time, was not correlated with its fecundity. In addition, cave males discriminated against smaller females more than surface males. Assuming that male preference is correlated with female fitness, these results suggest that factors other than fecundity have a strong influence on female fitness in these species.
Taking up Opportunities to Learn: Constructing Dispositions in Mathematics Classrooms

This article presents an analysis of how students' dispositions toward learning shift and change over time through their engagement with particular classroom practices and identifies classroom practices that support the development of more productive dispositions. An analysis of 4 purposefully selected students from 2 different classrooms reveals that membership in a classroom activity system does not determine one's emergent disposition toward learning. However, it is likely that similar types of dispositions might emerge within a single classroom activity system. The analysis further seeks to understand the mechanisms that underlie the ways in which dispositions are enacted in moments of interaction, and how aspects of classroom practice impact this enactment. The findings support the argument that social, affective, and motivational factors are not simply influences on learning but are, instead, central to and inseparable from the learning process.
Fluorescent Single Walled Carbon Nanotube/Silica Composite Materials

We present a new approach for the preparation of single walled carbon nanotube silica composite materials that retain the intrinsic fluorescence characteristics of the encapsulated nanotubes. Incorporation of isolated nanotubes into optically transparent matrices, such as sol−gel prepared silica, to take advantage of their near-infrared emission properties for applications like sensing has been a challenging task. In general, the alcohol solvents and acidic conditions required for typical sol−gel preparations disrupt the nanotube/surfactant assembly and cause the isolated nanotubes to aggregate leading to degradation of their fluorescence properties. To overcome these issues, we have used a sugar alcohol modified silica precursor molecule, diglycerylsilane, for encapsulation of nanotubes in silica under aqueous conditions and at neutral pH. The silica/nanotube composite materials have been prepared as monoliths, at least 5 mm thick, or as films (<1 mm) and were characterized using fluorescence and Raman s...
An Evaluation of the Differential Partitioning and Separation of C60 and C70 Fullerenes in a Biphasic System Using Centrifugal Partition Chromatography (CPC)

Abstract The partition coefficients of C60 and C70 fullerenes were measured in several different organic, 2-phase (liquid-liquid) systems using centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC). The partition coefficients of C60 and C70 were sufficiently different in some biphasic solvent systems to provide a CPC separation of these fullerenes. A phase diagram was made of the best 2-phase system for fractionating C60 and C70 fullerenes. This system contained the solvents 1,2-dichlorobenzene, isooctane, and dimethylformamide (DMF). The separation times, selectivity, and efficiency are affected by the ratios of the major solvent components, the addition of small amounts of a quaternary solvent, and the temperature (in addition to the usual instrumental parameters). Preparative separations of fullerenes were done and a maximum batch production was calculated for one solvent system. It appears that a significantly greater amount of fullerenes can be purified per run in this system than in corresponding HPLC systems....
Comparative study of solution-processed carbon nanotube network transistors

Carbon nanotube networks in thin-film type transistors were studied experimentally, comparing the use of pre-separated semiconducting enriched nanotubes (90% and 99% purity) to examine how topology affects the properties of the devices. Measurements are reported for two deposition methods used for network formation: random and spin-aligned deposition methods. The results show that the thin-film transistors fabricated via spin-aligned deposition demonstrate better electrical uniformity and performance than those produced by the random network deposition method. Our results imply that coverage and alignment are strongly correlated with the properties of the devices and should therefore be simultaneously optimized for improved electrical uniformity and performance.
Reduction and uptake of methylene blue by human erythrocytes

A thiazine dye reductase has been described in endothelial cells that reduces methylene blue (MB), allowing its uptake into cells. Because a different mechanism of MB uptake in human erythrocytes h...
Generalizations and extensions of the precue-utilization effect in rapid reactions.

The method of brief PSIs (precue-to-stimulus intervals) was used in three RT (reaction-time) experiments to explore the generality of the precue-utilization effect in rapid reactions, and to examine two extensions. This effect, which shows the self-contained performance in the choice reaction of the processing operations that culminate in response selection, generalized to a quantitative discrimination and to unequal stimulus-response (SR) frequencies. In the first extension, the reduction in wrong-alternative errors at relatively long PSIs indicated that these errors occur in conjunction with commitment to response actualization. In the second extension, the duration of discrimination-selection was found to be no longer for the less frequent of two SR alternatives. Taken together, these findings indicate that the effect of relative SR frequency, on incidence of errors as well as length of RT, fell on response-actualization processing. This is in accord with a number of previous findings and consonant with effects of RT variables on movement parameters but contrary to cumulative speed-accuracy models. Language: en
Impact of filtering upon ventricular tachycardia identification by correlation waveform analysis.

Signal analysis of digitized waveforms has been postulated as a method for improving sensitivity and specificity of ventricular tachycardia (VT) detection in implantable antitachycardia devices. Such improvement may alleviate the problem of unwarranted delivery of therapy by adding precision to the identification of the pathological VT. Morphological analysis could also allow distinct therapies to be initialized for multiple VTs in the same patient. Correlation waveform analysis (CWA) has been demonstrated to be effective in separating benign rhythms from VT in wideband recordings (1-500 Hz) but the effect of filtering has not been previously examined. Bipolar (1 cm) intraventricular recordings (1-500 Hz) of sinus rhythm (SR) and 25 distinct VTs in 18 patients were analyzed by CWA using a signal-averaged SR template. Passages contained 65.9 +/- 19.8 VT depolarizations (range 45-108). Digital filtering was performed on all data passages with varying passbands. Results for passages with a bandwidth of 1-250 Hz were equivalent to wideband results, i.e., greater than or equal to 92% paired sets of SR and VT were separable at a 95% confidence level. A bandwidth of 1-100 Hz decreased discrimination to 84%. At a bandwidth of 1-80 Hz, 80% of cases were successfully separated, but at 10-80 Hz these results improved to 88%. Bandwidths of 20-80 and 30-80 Hz reduced reliability of CWA performance to 72% and 60%, respectively. Filtering at typical pacemaker/defibrillator passbands produced morphological analysis results equivalent to those yielded at wideband settings. Differences in the range between SR versus VT decreased in filtered recordings but overall detection of VT was not degraded.
Fraud and Corruption Practices in Public Sector: The Cameroon Experience

Fraud and corruption are gargantuan twin brothers that have limited the growth and infrastructure of many nations and led many firms to the road of bankruptcy. Fraud is rarely seen but the symptoms of fraud are usually observed. Corruption the twin brother of fraud is the misuse of entrusted power for private benefit and includes; bribes, cronyism and nepotism, political donations, kickbacks and artificial pricing and fraud of all kinds. Corruption in Cameroon has been a significant problem for many years, inhibiting investment opportunities. The paper therefore adopts the agency theory to examine the level of fraud and corruption practices in doing business in Cameroon and evaluate the impact of government anti-corruption policies in fighting the menace of fraud and corruption practices. The study employed survey research method in obtaining data. Findings in this study revealed that virtually all the segment of the public sector are highly corrupt and Police, Custom and Tax administration are the most corrupt institution in Cameroon. Although, almost all the anti-corruption initiatives are ranked ineffective, only the CHOC-Cameroon programme (Change Habits, Oppose Corruption) are considered to be effective. This could be as a result of insincerity and lack of political will by the government to fight fraud and corruption in the system.
TreeCast: a stateless addressing and routing architecture for sensor networks

Summary form only given. Recent advances in technology have made low-cost, low-power wireless sensors a reality. A network of such nodes can coordinate among themselves for distributed sensing and processing of certain phenomena. We propose an architecture to provide a stateless solution in sensor networks for efficient addressing and routing. We name our architecture TreeCast. We propose a unique method of address allocation, building up multiple disjoint trees which are geographically inter-twined and rooted at the data sink. Using these trees, routing messages to and from the sink node without maintaining any routing state in the sensor nodes is possible. Next, we use this address allocation method for scoped addressing, through which sensor nodes of a particular type or in a particular region can be targeted. Evaluation of our protocol using ns-2 simulations shows how well our addressing and routing schemes perform.
An experimental four-element adaptive array

The experimental pattern behavior of a four-element adaptive array based on a steepest-descent feedback algorithm is described. The array uses four multiturn loop elements on an aircraft fuselage mock-up. Operational patterns have been measured as a function of various parameters: frequency, element placement, desired signal and interference angles of arrival, signal powers, etc. Typical patterns are presented and the performance characteristics of the array are described.
A Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase-AKT-Nitric Oxide-cGMP Signaling Pathway in Stimulating Platelet Secretion and Aggregation

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt play important roles in platelet activation. However, the downstream mechanisms mediating their functions are unclear. We have recently shown that nitric-oxide (NO) synthase 3 and cGMP-dependent protein kinase stimulate platelet secretion and aggregation. Here we show that PI3K-mediated Akt activation plays an important role in agonist-stimulated platelet NO synthesis and cGMP elevation. Agonist-induced elevation of NO and cGMP was inhibited by Akt inhibitors and reduced in Akt-1 knock-out platelets. Akt-1 knock-out or Akt inhibitor-treated platelets showed reduced platelet secretion and aggregation in response to low concentrations of agonists, which can be reversed by low concentrations of 8-bromo-cGMP or sodium nitroprusside (an NO donor). Similarly, PI3K inhibitors diminished elevation of cGMP and inhibited platelet secretion and the second wave platelet aggregation, which was also partially reversed by 8-bromo-cGMP. These results indicate that the NO-cGMP pathway is an important downstream mechanism mediating PI3K and Akt signals leading to platelet secretion and aggregation. Conversely, the PI3K-Akt pathway is the major upstream mechanism responsible for activating the NO-cGMP pathway in platelets. Thus, this study delineates a novel platelet activation pathway involving sequential activation of PI3K, Akt, nitric-oxide synthase 3, sGC, and cGMP-dependent protein kinase.
PHYSIOLOGICAL ONTOGENY : A. CHICKEN EMBRYOS. XII. THE METABOLISM AS A FUNCTION OF AGE.

1. The previous findings that the rate of metabolism per gm. of body weight decreased with age, and that during the incubation period catabolism was mostly at the expense of fat, have been confirmed. 2. These determinations of the rate of oxygen uptake have afforded more precise values for the catabolic rate and thus permit estimations of the changes with age in the rate of absorption.
Fashion as a Tool of World War II: A Case Study Supporting the SI Theory

Through a historical case study of Akron, Ohio during World War II, a story emerged of how retailers used their fashion advertisements to influence women to take factory jobs in war industries. Akron, Ohio served as a case study because it had three nationally linked department stores, a major newspaper, and the city's war industries were the nation's second largest employer of women during World War II. Because voluntary recruitment efforts were successful, the government did not act on its planned national draft for work that would have included women. As the culture negotiated women's role in the marketplace, pants came to symbolize women's participation in the war effort. The appearance and adoption of pants offers support for the SI theory of fashion.