cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional solubility parameters of poly(ε‐caprolactone)

The three-dimensional solubility parameter model was applied to analyze solution thermodynamic data of 27 solutes in poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) between 70 and 110 °C. A linear regression method was compared with a nonlinear least square regression method, which searches solubility parameter components by minimization of the sum of error squares. The parameters of polymers were the same by both methods. When compared with the error in predicting χRT/V, the data showed a different slope from the simple three-dimensional model. These deviations were reduced by a different model using a smaller weight on the polar and hydrogen bonding components. In the new model, the solubility parameter components were closer to the value of a structure analogue of PCL. The confidence intervals for the parameters were estimated from a linearized equation based on the sum of error squares. The solubility parameter components obtained were different from the average values of the five solutes with the smallest χ. The inclusion of solutes with high hydrogen bonding components contributed to the increase of the component in the nonlinear regression method. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2002–2009, 2006
RESPONSIVENESS OF PRETERM INFANTS TO ANIMATE AUDITORY AND TACTILE STIMULATION

Appropriately grown, preterm infants weighing less than 1500 grams and free of congenital anomalies were assessed three times a week from birth to discharge or transfer. The sample of 14 preterm infants was divided into 3 groups (well, moderately ill, and sick). Body movement, eye opening and movement, heart rate, smiles, hand-to-mouth activity, and “avoidance” signals of grimaces, cries, yawns, and tongue protrusion were assessed in response to (a) soft talking, (b) touching/stroking, and (c) the combination of talking and touching. Repeated measures analyses of variance of assessments performed from 30-34 weeks postconceptional age demonstrated that infants had significantly more eye opening and movement to the talking condition and significantly more body movement to the combination of talking and touching as well as to touching alone than during the pre-stimulus period. Significant effects of illness were found for smiles, hand-to-mouth activity, and “avoidance” signals. During all the stimulus conditions the well infants had significantly more smiles and hand-to-mouth activity. When talking was combined with touching, sick infants showed significantly more “avoidance” signals. The findings suggest that responsiveness to social stimulation develops quite early in development and soft talking reliably evokes increased eye opening and movement.
Assisting autistic children with wireless EOG technology

We propose a novel intervention to train the speed and accuracy of attention orienting and eye movements in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Training eye movements and attention could not only affect those important functions directly, but could also result in broader improvement of social communication skills. To this end we describe a system that would allow ASD children to improve their fixation skills while playing a computer game controlled by an eye tracker. Because this intervention will probably be time consuming, this system should be designed to be used at homes. To make this possible, we propose an implementation based on wireless and dry electrooculography (EOG) technology. If successful, this system would develop an approach to therapy that would improve clinical and behavioral function in children and adults with ASD. As our initial steps in this direction, here we describe the design of a computer game to be used in this system, and the predictions of gaze position from EOG data recorded while a subject played this game.
Use of microwave irradiation for rapid synthesis of perfluorooctanoyl derivatives of fatty alcohols, a new derivative for gas chromatography-mass spectrometric and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometric study

Abstract Structural analyses of fatty alcohols as acetate, trifluoroacetate and trimethylsilyl derivatives are frequently used in lipid biochemistry. Those derivatives produce molecular ions ( m z ) m z ) have never been studied before. We prepared perfluorooctanoyl derivatives of fatty alcohols by heating them with perfluorooctanoyl chloride for 15 min at 60°C. Using low-power microwave irradiation (240 W), we can reduce the reaction time to only 2 min. The yields of the derivatives were quantitative by both microwave technique and conventional heating as evidenced by absence of starting material (fatty alcohols) in the HPTLC analysis. The mass spectral fragmentation patterns of the derivatives obtained by microwave irradiation are identical to the derivatives prepared by conventional heating. We also prepared trimethylsilyl derivatives of fatty alcohols, a widely used derivative, in 1.5 min using microwave irradiation (power 3, 240 W) where the conventional technique requires 20 min. We conclude that microwave irradiation can be employed for rapid preparation of perfluorooctanoyl and trimethylsilyl derivatives of fatty alcohols for gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis.
Phase-diversity correction of turbulence-induced space-variant blur

Space-variant blur is encountered when objects extend beyond the isoplanatic patch associated with the intervening atmospheric turbulence. The method of phase diversity, used to estimate jointly the object and the aberrations, is generalized to accommodate turbulence-induced space-variant blur. This generalization utilizes a parametric model for the blur function that is constructed with multiple phase screens. Simulation results are presented that demonstrate the recovery of near-diffraction-limited imagery from phase-diversity imagery that has been degraded with rather severe anisoplanatism.
Algebra of currents and a generalized Ademollo-Gatto theorem☆

Abstract Within the framework of the W 3 symmetry we have shown that the conservation of axial vector current implies no renormalization, and that if the symmetry is broken in any arbitrary manner, the renormalization effects on both vector and axial vector currents are of second order in the symmetry breaking parameter. The results are generalized to any symmetry group for which the generators are conserved (vector or axial-vector) “charges”.
Role of 5α-reductase inhibitors in benign prostatic diseases

Testosterone is the most abundant androgen in serum. Intracellularly, testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone, the preferred ligand for androgen receptor transactivation, by the enzyme 5α-reductase. Three 5α-reductase isozymes have been discovered and they are expressed ubiquitously in human tissues. Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone have different but complimentary functions. Dihydrotestosterone has 2–5 times higher binding affinity for the androgen receptor than testosterone, and 10-fold higher potency of inducing androgen receptor signaling than testosterone. The role of dihydrotestosterone was discovered after the description of 5α-reductase type 2 deficiency in 1974, where affected males have normal internal but ambiguous external genitalia. Neither BPH nor prostate cancer has been reported in these patients. Currently, two 5α-reductase inhibitors are available for clinical use. This review will discuss the important clinical trials of 5α-reductase inhibitors in the treatment of benign prostatic diseases.
A consistent model of electroweak data including Z → bb and Z → cc

Abstract We have performed an overall fit to the electroweak data with the generation blind U (1) extension of the Standard Model. As input data for fitting we have included the asymmetry parameters, the partial decay widths of Z , neutrino scattering, and atomic parity violation. The QCD coupling α s has been constrained to the world average obtained from all data except the Z width. On the basis of our fit we have constructed a viable gauge model that not only explains R b and R c but also provides a much better overall fit to the data than the Standard Model. Despite its phenomenological viability, our model is unfortunately not simple from the theoretical viewpoint. Atomic parity violation experiments strongly disfavor more aesthetically appealing alternatives that can be grand unified.
Failure of pretreatment with propranolol to reduce the zone of myocardial infarction after 2 hours of coronary occlusion in the primate heart

Abstract The present study assessed the value of pretreatment with propranolol to reduce ultimate myocardial infarct size after acute coronary artery occlusion in the primate heart. An experimental group of 8 baboons was administered a 2-mg/kg loading dose of propranolol intravenously over a 20-minute period before coronary occlusion. This regimen resulted in (1) a decrease in heart rate from 104 ± 19 to 73 ± 8 beats/min (mean ± standard deviation) (p
Electron diffusion region and thermal demagnetization

[1] The demagnetized skin depth width electron diffusion region (EDR) distinguishes the innermost current layers of collisionless magnetic reconnection (CMR) from other current layers. Such narrow layers with virtually unknown properties are hard to identify in space observations. Soon, diagnosing it will be the central focus of NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission. Initial attempts have been made to frame necessary tests to ensure that the observer is in the EDR. Since none of the tests are sufficient to identify the EDR, it is important to vet as many necessary conditions as possible. In this way a winnowing process can lessen the likelihood of false positive detections of the EDR. Since the “necessary” criteria of the EDR are usually not amenable to direct experimental tests, a vetting process is desirable before accepting “necessary” proxy tests for the criteria of CMR. This paper proposes a further necessary test of an essential property of the EDR: the necessity that the thermal electrons be demagnetized in these regions. Without this attribute, the magnetic flux is essentially frozen to the electron fluid velocity and the topology breaking of CMR is thwarted. We have framed this test from kinetic theory, gathered the relevant observables, and used it with a published set of over 100 previously identified EDRs. Surprisingly, 99% of them are ≃100 times more magnetized than expected for the EDR of CMR theory. The outcome of this falsifiable test demonstrates the scientific dialogue is incomplete for framing adequate pragmatic tests for identifying EDRs.
A polarographic study of certain metal chelates of diethylphosphorodithioic acid in ethanol solutions

Abstract The diethylphosphorodithioic acid chelates of Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II) and Mn(II) in ethanol and water-ethanol solutions, give irreversible polarographic waves which have been made use of in the calculation of the over-all chelate formation constants. The logarithm of the chelate formation constant was found to be a linear function of the dielectric constant of the ethanol-water medium. In these metal chelates in which the metal-sulphur bonds are ionic, the chelate stability sequence, Pb(II) > Cd(II) > Zn(II) > Mn(II), is the same as that found with other sulphur ligands in which the metal-sulphur bonds have much less ionic character.
Effect of 3′-deoxyadenosine (cordycepin) on the early development of the sand dollar, Dendraster excentricus

Abstract The embryos of the sand dollar Dendraster excentricus have been examined with regard to their ability to undergo the early events of larval development in the presence of cordycepin, a reported inhibitor of RNA adenylylation. It has been shown that all the morphogenetic events from hatching to prism are inhibited by cordycepin at a concentration of 25 μg/ml, while the aspects of development prior to hatching (cleavage, blastulation, and the formation of cilia) are not affected by cordycepin. The period of sensitivity of each developmental event to cordycepin has been determined; for the early developmental processes this period substantially precedes the event, while for later processes there is a closer temporal association. In embryos treated with cordycepin, DNA synthesis and cleavage are unaffected prior to hatching, but subsequently are blocked, whereas respiration and total RNA synthesis per cell remain unaffected.
The influence of grain size on the wear of nickel-zinc ferrite by flexible media

Abstract Wear resistance and certain other properties of a nickel-zinc ferrite were determined as a function of grain size in tests with two γ-Fe2O3 tapes and a CrO2 tape. Wear resistance was found to decrease—that is, the depth of wear increased—with decreasing grain size. The CrO2 tape caused about three times as much wear as the γ-Fe2O3 tapes. Microhardness and moduli of rupture improved with decreasing grain size, but the structure-sensitive magnetic properties did not. Annealing did not improve the wear resistance, but did improve the moduli of rupture and the magnetic properties.
Local randomization in neighbor selection improves PRM roadmap quality

Probabilistic Roadmap Methods (PRMs) are one of the most used classes of motion planning methods. These sampling-based methods generate robot configurations (nodes) and then connect them to form a graph (roadmap) containing representative feasible pathways. A key step in PRM roadmap construction involves identifying a set of candidate neighbors for each node. Traditionally, these candidates are chosen to be the k-closest nodes based on a given distance metric. In this paper, we propose a new neighbor selection policy called LocalRand(k,K′), that first computes the K′ closest nodes to a specified node and then selects k of those nodes at random. Intuitively, LocalRand attempts to benefit from random sampling while maintaining the higher levels of local planner success inherent to selecting more local neighbors. We provide a methodology for selecting the parameters k and K′ . We perform an experimental comparison which shows that for both rigid and articulated robots, LocalRand results in roadmaps that are better connected than the traditional k-closest policy or a purely random neighbor selection policy. The cost required to achieve these results is shown to be comparable to k-closest.
Rotating Raman Sample Technique for Colored Crystal Powders; Resonance Raman Effect in Solid KMnO4

A simple sample technique which makes it possible to record Raman spectra of highly absorbing solids is described. The main feature is a rotating sample system containing pressed crystal powders, on which the laser beam is focused. The relative motion between laser focus and sample surface avoids heating and decomposition of the crystal powder. With this technique it is, for instance, possible to obtain a Raman spectrum of solid potassium permanganate, displaying a progression of strongly resonance enhanced overtones of the totally symmetric permanganate mode as well as a well-defined weakly enhanced spectrum for the other internal modes.
Dynamic Performance Improvement and Peak Power Limiting Using Ultracapacitor Storage System for Hydraulic Mining Shovels

This paper presents a concept to improve the dynamic response, efficiency, productivity, and fuel consumption of hydraulic mining shovels (HMSs) using a high power energy storage system to supplement the existing diesel-powered generators. A 2.25-MW ultracapacitor system is applied to improve the sluggish dynamic response of the diesel engine during sudden load changes and to limit the engine power requirements by maintaining an optimal engine speed. When the load rate of change increases above a specified rate limit, the ultracapacitor system supplements power to support loads in order to limit the power ramp rate for the generator. In addition to the engine dynamic improvement, the ultracapacitor system supports the engine during peak power demand, allowing for a smaller engine size for the machine, which results in higher fuel savings and less exhaust emissions. An interleaved bidirectional dc/dc converter is designed to interface between the ultracapacitor bank and main dc bus. Sophisticated multilayer control strategies are designed, implemented, and applied to the system to perform complete machine power management while keeping the dc bus voltage stable. Modeling and experimental results for an 8000-hp HMS with the novel electrification architecture have also been presented.
Road-network agglomeration, road density, and protected-area fragmentation

This paper develops a new measure of the spatial pattern of roads in an area, named the Road Network Agglomeration Index (RNAI), and explores the impact of this dimension of road networks on spatial patterns of conservation networks. RNAI is more spatially descriptive than road density measures used commonly in analyses of conservation patterns, and easier to calculate than some other metrics of road network characteristics. The paper uses both RNAI and road density in a case study, performing regression analyses to explore the drivers of fragmentation of California’s network of public and private conservation lands. RNAI emerges as a consistently strong indicator of the degree of fragmentation of the reserve network, complementing road density as a measure of features of road networks that affect the pattern of protected areas in a watershed. We also find that private conservation serves more often to increase rather than decrease agglomeration of the reserve network.
Transition State in the Inversion of Cyclohexane

CHRISTIANSEN1 has objected to the “half-chair” conformation (C2 symmetry) of cyclohexane as the transition form for inversion of the chair conformation (presumably through the twisted boat) as proposed by one of us2. Earlier calculations3 had already indicated that the route through the boat (or twist-boat) form would permit inversion of the chair form of cyclohexane with lower activation energy than that of the planar hexagon.
Potential anticancer compounds. Synthesis of 2‐carbamoyl and 2‐phenyl carbamoyl derivatives of 1,3‐cyclohexanedione‐type compounds

2-Carbamoyl and 2-phenylcarbamoyl derivatives of 1,3-cyclic diketones(I-VI) were synthesized as potential antibacterial and anticancer reagents.
Left ventricular scar in atrial fibrillation: cause or effect?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common clinical arrhythmia and is associated with increased risk for stroke, heart failure, and all-cause mortality [(1–3)][1]. The mortality rate of patients with AF is about double that of patients in normal sinus rhythm, and data from the Framingham Heart
Commentary on clinical outcomes of sexuality preserving cystectomy and neobladder.

technique. Despite the frequent use of chemotherapy, disease specific mortality was seen in 30% of patients at a mean followup of 42 months. Pelvic relapse was seen in 6.9% of patients, one of whom had stage pT1N0 disease. Pelvic relapse is associated with a high fatality rate and should rarely if ever be seen in organ confined disease. Concern remains for an increased risk of pelvic tumor spillage with this technique. The development of subsequent carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the prostatic urethra in 1 patient is not an indictment of the prostate sparing as CIS also may occur in the remainder of the urethra after standard cystoprostatectomy. The development of prostate cancer in 1 patient indicates the need to monitor for prostate cancer after prostate sparing cystectomy as well as the inevitable need to assess risks and benefits of treating this common malignancy in many of these patients. Invasive bladder cancer is a lethal and unforgiving disease. The authors have shown that prostate sparing cystectomy is feasible and provides good functional outcomes. Preservation of erectile function is more achievable with their technique than with careful nerve sparing cystoprostatectomy. Urinary continence is equivalent with either approach. The oncologic safety of prostate sparing cystectomy remains an open question. Reports of larger series and longer followup are needed. For all of these reasons prostate sparing cystectomy would seem best restricted to a narrow subset of young patients with bladder cancer and no increased risk of prostate cancer, who are highly motivated for maximal attempt at retaining potency and/or fertility and who acknowledge the potential increased oncologic risks.
Jabal Silsilah tin prospect, Najd region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract A significant Sn deposit at Jabal Silsilah (26°07′N, 42°41′E), a prominent ring complex in the NE Arabian Shield, is associated with greisen in flat-topped cupolas of a highly evolved, zinnwaldite- and topaz-bearing alkali-feldspar granite. This granite is peraluminous, enriched in incompatible trace elements and characterized by a chondrite-normalized REE profile showing a large negative Eu anomaly, but otherwise flat. It is overlain by a carapace of aplite and pegmatite, beneath which accumulated residual fluids caused greisenization and deposition of disseminated cassiterite. Quartz—wolframite veins cut both granite and carapace. The other components of the Silsilah complex, from oldest to youngest, are: alkaline dacite, peralkaline granite and hypabyssal rocks. Their occurrence in a single ring structure and geochemical affinities indicate that they comprise a differentiation series. Fractionation of sodic plagioclase, apatite and Fe and Ti oxides resulted in parental alkaline dacite magma becoming peralkaline and granitic. Subsequent fractionation of alkali feldspar, soda pyribole and zircon resulted in a peraluminous melt enriched in incompatible trace elements.
Mutation of Npr2 Leads to Blurred Tonotopic Organization of Central Auditory Circuits in Mice

Tonotopy is a fundamental organizational feature of the auditory system. Sounds are encoded by the spatial and temporal patterns of electrical activity in spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) and are transmitted via tonotopically ordered processes from the cochlea through the eighth nerve to the cochlear nuclei. Upon reaching the brainstem, SGN axons bifurcate in a stereotyped pattern, innervating target neurons in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (aVCN) with one branch and in the posteroventral and dorsal cochlear nuclei (pVCN and DCN) with the other. Each branch is tonotopically organized, thereby distributing acoustic information systematically along multiple parallel pathways for processing in the brainstem. In mice with a mutation in the receptor guanylyl cyclase Npr2, this spatial organization is disrupted. Peripheral SGN processes appear normal, but central SGN processes fail to bifurcate and are disorganized as they exit the auditory nerve. Within the cochlear nuclei, the tonotopic organization of the SGN terminal arbors is blurred and the aVCN is underinnervated with a reduced convergence of SGN inputs onto target neurons. The tonotopy of circuitry within the cochlear nuclei is also degraded, as revealed by changes in the topographic mapping of tuberculoventral cell projections from DCN to VCN. Nonetheless, Npr2 mutant SGN axons are able to transmit acoustic information with normal sensitivity and timing, as revealed by auditory brainstem responses and electrophysiological recordings from VCN neurons. Although most features of signal transmission are normal, intermittent failures were observed in responses to trains of shocks, likely due to a failure in action potential conduction at branch points in Npr2 mutant afferent fibers. Our results show that Npr2 is necessary for the precise spatial organization typical of central auditory circuits, but that signals are still transmitted with normal timing, and that mutant mice can hear even with these deficits.
Decomposition and nutrient dynamics of oak Quercus spp. logs after five years of decomposition

Decomposition of oak Quercus spp. logs (25 35 cm diameter, 3 m long) was compared among log substrates in Oregon, Minnesota. Kansas and North Carolina during the first five years on the ground. Decomposition of whole logs (weighted by substrate) averaged 0.069 yr-1 (±0.16 SD). but followed a 2-exponential model (k = 0.12 yr-1 year 1 and k = 0.06 yr -1 years 2 5), reflecting qualitative differences among log substrates (outer and inner bark, sapwood and heartwood). Rapid loss from bark substrates contributed to the initial rapid decay rate. Sapwood decay rate averaged 0.15 yr-1 and dominated the second log decay rate. Heartwood lost only 6% mass during the first five years, for an overall decay rate of 0.012 yr-1 that likely will represent a longer-term third exponential decay rate. Carbon loss amounted to ca 5 kg yr-1 per 170 kg log. Nutrient concentrations generally declined during the first five years, but nitrogen, sulfur, and sodium accumulated in sapwood and heartwood during this period. Sulfur content increased in all substrates and doubled in whole logs during this 5-yr period. Complex patterns of nutrient content suggest patterns of microbial colonization and nutrient utilization. Polynomial models were developed to describe rates of carbon and nutrient flux in log substrates.
Piecewise Optimum Delay Estimation for Intersection Control

An adaptive control strategy called Piecewise Optimum Delay Estimation (PODE) has been developed and tested in this paper. The limitations in the existing adaptive control strategies are reviewed and used as the basis for improvement. By using real time field data for traffic demand estimation and through piecewise optimization, PODE dynamically searches movement combinations for phasing and timing decisions that minimize system wide delay. Preliminary results show that PODE is able to considerably reduce delay over actuated control. Its performance consistency, especially in congested and oversaturated conditions, has demonstrated PODE’s competitive strength among other adaptive control strategies.
Inferring functional information from domain co-evolution

Motivation: Co-evolution is a powerful mechanism for understanding protein function. Prior work in this area has shown that co-evolving proteins are more likely to share the same function than those that do not because of functional constraints. Many of the efforts founded on this observation, however, are at the level of entire sequences, implicitly assuming that the complete protein sequence follows a single evolutionary trajectory. Since it is well known that a domain can exist in various contexts, this assumption is not valid for numerous multi-domain proteins. Motivated by these observations, we introduce a novel technique called Coevolutionary-Matrix that captures co-evolution between regions of two proteins. Instead of using existing domain information, the method exploits residue-level conservation to identify co-evolving regions that might correspond to domains. Results: We show that the Coevolutionary-Matrix method can detect greater number of known functional associations for the Escherichia coli proteins when compared with earlier implementations of phylogenetic profiles. Furthermore, co-evolving regions of proteins detected by our method enable us to make hypotheses about their specific functions, many of which are supported by existing biochemical studies. Contact: [email protected]
Enzyme-replacement therapy for metabolic storage disorders

Summary Background After many years of intensive investigation, enzyme-replacement therapy (ERT) has become standard treatment for patients with type 1 (non-neuronopathic) Gaucher's disease. ERT has greatly changed the clinical course of this disorder by reducing hepatosplenomegaly, by improving anaemia and thrombocytopenia, and by ameliorating skeletal damage. This example has prompted the investigation of ERT for several other metabolic disorders. The results of several of these trials have recently been published. Recent developments In addition to Gaucher's disease, the effects of ERT in four other major metabolic storage disorders have been reported. Among these rare orphan diseases are Fabry's disease, in which the heart, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, and peripheral nerves are damaged; Pompe's disease, in which the heart, skeletal muscles, and brain are involved; Hurler's disease and Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome in which the eyes, liver, joints, and skeleton are usually affected. Responses to ERT in these four disorders have generally been encouraging although the degree and extent of benefit vary considerably. Where next? There are several critical features of ERT that require attention and amelioration. Among these are the development of severity-score indices that can be used to explicitly quantify the benefit of ERT. The benefit of this treatment has been slight in Fabry's disease and is yet to be fully shown in the other three disorders. Secondly, novel technologies need to be developed to deliver therapeutic enzymes effectively to tissues such as the cardiac muscle and kidney in Fabry's disease, skeletal muscle in patients with Pompe's disease, and to joint tissues and structures in patients with Hurler's disease and Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome. Finally, an all-encompassing concern is to devise methods to ameliorate the damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems that occurs in specific phenotypes of these disorders. In this review we descibe emerging strategies that seem to be useful in these critical regards.
Unavoidable gridshock without scrambling circuitry from a faradic source of low-radio-frequency current

A high-voltage radio-frequency stimulator was used as a source of motivational footshock in studies of conditional suppression. The circuit of the stimulator is presented schematically, then discussed in terms of affect induced by, gross behavioral response to, and electrical characteristics of, the stimulus. Near daily use of the stimulator across 6 months of formal assessment revealed that nonscrambled presentations of footshock via a grid of aluminum bars invariably resulted in stimulation of rat Ss and generated highly efficient conditional suppression of operant responding. While the stimulator was primarily designed to permit unconfounded presentation of gridshock in a 2,450-MHz microwave field, its simplicity and reliability suggest application in other situations requiring motivational shock.
Factors Influencing Mortality After Emergency Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Failed Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty

Background. Emergency coronary artery bypass grafting after failed percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty is associated with increased mortality. Methods. From 1981 through 1995, 117 patients at our institution underwent emergency coronary artery bypass grafting after failed percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, with an in-hospital mortality rate of 13.6%. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the factors that influenced the risk of death. Results. Univariate analysis revealed that patients who died more often were women and had chronic renal failure, lower ejection fractions, and more diffuse coronary artery disease; less often received an internal mammary artery graft or an antegrade perfusion catheter; required inotropic support in the cardiac catheterization laboratory; and experienced myocardial infarction. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the need for inotropic support in the cardiac catheterization laboratory was the best predictor of perioperative death. Conclusions. Patients with a reduced ejection fraction in whom percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty fails, antegrade perfusion does not produce a response, and myocardial infarction occurs are more likely to die after coronary artery bypass grafting. The risk appears to be highest for patients who require inotropic support in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.
Improved Hole Collection in Polymer Heterojunction Solar Cells with DNA/Pt-DNA Layers

In this study, we investigated the effects of DNA/Pt-DNA strands as hole collecting layers in polymer heterojunction solar cells based on ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:PCBM/LiF/Al structure. We demonstrated that by introducing DNA or Pt-DNA layers between the polymer electrode (PEDOT:PSS) and the active layer (P3HT:PCBM), lead to an improvement in the hole collection efficiency and power conversion efficiency and the absorbance spectra of the devices indicate that Pt particles work as surface plasmons and increase the absorbance of the devices.
Allosteric interactions among drug binding sites on calmodulin

Felodipine is a fluorescent dihydropyridine Ca2+-antagonist. It binds to calmodulin in a Ca2+-dependent manner, and undergoes a fluorescence increase which allows us to monitor its interaction with calmodulin. Hydrophobic ligands including the calmodulin antagonist, R24571 and Ca2+ antagonists, prenylamine and diltiazem, bind to calmodulin and potentiate felodipine binding by as much as 20 fold. These studies suggest that allosteric interactions occur among different drug binding sites on calmodulin. Our results are discussed in terms of the mechanism of action of calmodulin.
A high affinity, mu-opioid receptor-selective enkephalin analogue lacking an N-terminal tyrosine

We report a high affinity, μ opioid receptor selective enkephalin analogue in which the N-terminal tyrosine residue thought to be required for such high affinity is replaced by phenylalanine. The high affinity can be traced to a shift of the ligand's N-terminal residue within the μ receptor binding pocket, which diminishes the importance of the usual hydrogen bond between the tyrosine phenolic moiety and the receptor.
Adaptations of Cave Fishes with some Comparisons to Deep-sea Fishes

I provide my retrospective and prospective views on adaptations of cave fishes. I emphasize the history of my insights into cave adaptation from 45 years of research using surface, cave-spring, and cave species of amblyopsid fishes. My approach has been to use natural experiments and to always consider multiple hypotheses. To clarify evolutionary adaptations, I show the importance of a broad comparative approach which includes studies of morphology, metabolic physiology, foraging behavior, life history, and ecology. And I show that the most important agents of selection, of darkness and attendant low food supply, are best understood in the context of rigor, variability, and predictability. I also present my insights from what I consider the most insightful contributions on deep-sea fishes. The contributions are those of Marshall in studies of morphology in relation to energy economy of pelagic and benthic species, Childress in studies of physiological and biochemical adaptations with depth for pelagic species, and Koslow in studies on population biology and life history of bathybenthic and benthic sea-mount species. Compared to caves, I suggest that the extremes of metabolic and life history adaptations of deep-sea fish are explained by a longer evolutionary history and a much greater habitat range, food supply, and predation risk. Finally, I take a retrospective view of what we have learned about cave fishes. I discuss possible evolutionary mechanisms that can explain the trends with increasing cave adaptation in amblyopsid fishes, especially progenesis and the pleiotropic effects of the stress resistance syndrome. Finally, based on insights from deep-sea fishes, and emerging new techniques, I suggest what cave fish biologists should do in the future.
Part-Time Work and Occupational Value Formation in Adolescence

This study examines the interrelations of work experiences and occupational values in a panel of 1,000 ninth-graders followed over a four-year period. Neither employment itself nor hours of work had substantial effects on occupational value formation. However, the opportunity to learn useful skills at work was a consistent positive influence on increasingly stable intrnsic and extrnsic value dimensions. We conclude that the central finding of research on work and adult psychological functioning - that the conditions of work are what matter - can be generalized to adolescents. Given that work values are important determinants of vocational choice (Davis 1965; Mortimer 1974) and actual occupational destinations (Mortimer, Lorence & Kumka 1986), it is important to understand their origins. This article addresses a potentially important, but thus far neglected, influence - adolescent work experience. American teenagers increasingly hold part-time jobs while attending school (Manning 1990). Because adolescence is a crucially important period for the formation of vocational interests and identity (Erikson 1968), it is reasonable to suppose that work experience would have a significant formative influence on adolescents' thinking about the potential rewards to be obtained
Desynchronization: design for verification

Desynchronization is used to synthesize asynchronous circuits from synchronous specifications. Controller networks used for desynchronization are highly nondeterministic and are not easily amenable for verification. We adapt the desynchronization controllers for verifiability by imposing additional sequential dependencies among controller events that reduces nondeterminism. We deduce properties of the adapted controllers, which we use to develop methods for reachability analysis and verification of desynchronized circuits. The methods are demonstrated using seven desynchronized processor models.
Ginzburg-Landau theory for skyrmions in inversion-symmetric magnets with competing interactions

Magnetic skyrmions have attracted considerable attention recently for their huge potential in spintronic applications. Generally skyrmions are big compared to the atomic lattice constant, which allows for the Ginzburg-Landau type description in the continuum limit. This description successfully captures the main experimental observations on skyrmions in B20 compound without inversion symmetry. Skyrmions can also exist in inversion-symmetric magnets with competing interactions. Here, we derive a general Ginzburg-Landau theory for skyrmions in these magnets valid in the long-wavelength limit. We study the unusual static and dynamical properties of skyrmions based on the derived Ginzburg-Landau theory. We show that an easy axis spin anisotropy is sufficient to stabilize a skyrmion lattice. Interestingly, the skyrmion in inversion-symmetric magnets has a new internal degree of freedom associated with the rotation of helicity, i.e., the “spin” of the skyrmion as a particle, in addition to the usual translational motion of skyrmions (orbital motion). The orbital and spin degree of freedoms of an individual skyrmion can couple to each other, and give rise to unusual behavior that is absent for the skyrmions stabilized by the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. Finally, the derived Ginzburg-Landau theory provides a convenient and general framework to discuss skyrmion physics and will facilitate themore » search for skyrmions in inversion-symmetric magnets.« less
New Approaches to Quality Assurance

Any kind of technology needs some kind of quality assurance program. As an example, a bicycle needs to be checked regularly, and sometimes, one must have it thoroughly checked by professionals. Otherwise, a sudden failure of some part may lead to serious consequences for the rider or for anyone close by.
Unique localization of mRNA encoding plasma membrane Ca2+ pump isoform 3 in rat thin descending loop of Henle.

In our previous study of plasma membrane Ca2+ pump (PMCA) isozymes in the rat kidney, we found that the mRNA coding isoform PMCA3 was detected primarily in the outer medullary zone of rat kidney ti...
System design and optimization of The Ohio State University Electric Motorcycle for the 2014 Isle of Man TT Zero Race

The Ohio State University Buckeye Current Team was formed in 2010 at the Center for Automotive Research, to provide our students a practical experience in designing and building electric motorcycles to compete in national and international races. The mission of the team is to teach students about electric vehicles, promote electric vehicle events, and give them an engaging educational work environment through real-world experiences. The Team achieved international recognition with a prestigious 3rd place finish in their inaugural effort at the 2013 Isle of Man TT Zero race. The all-electric motorcycle RW-2, designed and built entirely by OSU engineering students, raced on the Snaefell Mountain Course averaging 90.43mph. This paper illustrates the design and engineering process that the Buckeye Current Team followed with the objective of participating again to the TT Zero race in 2014. The paper details the technical solutions that have been implemented, including vehicle energy simulation and scenario analysis, mechanical and electrical design, control development and data logging system.
Simultaneous Determination of Verapamil and Celiprolol in Human Plasma

A simple and reproducible method for the simultaneous determination of the beta 1-selective adrenergic blocker, celiprolol, and the calcium antagonist, verapamil, in human plasma is described. It involves a two-step liquid-liquid extraction and separation using a C18 column with ultraviolet detection at 237 nm. Deacetyldiltiazem is used as the internal standard. Within-day and between-day coefficients of variation are less than 10%. The lower limits of detection are 4, 2, and 4 ng/mL for celiprolol, deacetyldiltiazem, and verapamil, respectively. The assay has clinical applicability.
Supported lipid bilayer nanosystems: stabilization by undulatory-protrusion forces and destabilization by lipid bridging.

Control of the stabilization/destabilization of supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) on nanoparticles is important for promotion of their organized assembly and for their use as delivery vehicles. At the same time, understanding the mechanism of these processes can yield insight into nanoparticle–cell interactions and nanoparticle toxicity. In this study, the suspension/precipitation process of zwitterionic lipid/SiO2 nanosystems was analyzed as a function of ionic strength and as a function of the ratio of lipid/SiO2 surface areas, at pH = 7.6. Salt is necessary to induce supported lipid bilayer (SLB) formation for zwitterionic lipids on silica (SiO2) (Seantier, B.; Kasemo, B., Influence of Mono- and Divalent Ions on the Formation of Supported Phospholipid Bilayers via Vesicle Adsorption. Langmuir2009, 25 (10), 5767−5772). However, for zwitterionic SLBs on SiO2 nanoparticles, addition of salt can cause precipitation of the SLBs, due to electrostatic shielding by both the lipid and the salt and to the suppress...
π-Hydrogen Bonding in Liquid Water

We report the experimental observation and quantitation of π-hydrogen bond formation between liquid water and benzene using Raman multivariate curve resolution (Raman-MCR) combined with quantum and classical (cluster and liquid) calculations. Our results establish that π-hydrogen bonds between liquid water and benzene are weaker and more flexible (have a more positive enthalpy and entropy) than bulk water hydrogen bonds. We further establish that such bonds also form between water and other aromatics, including the amino acid phenylalanine, thus implying their common occurrence at hydrated biological interfaces.
Effects of Turbulence Modeling on RANS Simulations of Tip Vortices

of turbulence modeling on the simulations of vortical wake flows using Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations have been quantified. All the numerical results reported here have been obtained by commercial software (Fluent V 6.3). The roll-up of the near wake of a rectangular wing is investigated using two turbulence models: full Reynolds stress model and Sparlart-Allmaras model. Simulations with the full Reynolds stress model show remarkable mean flow agreement in the tip vortex and spiral wake due to the proper prediction of a laminar vortex core. Simulations with the Spalart-Allmaras model predicted over-diusion of the tip-vortex. The wake of a circulation control (CC), via Coanda eect, of circular planform wing is also investigated using RANS equations and full Reynolds stress model. The streamwise roll up of the trailing vortex wake is delayed in comparison to that of a wing without CC at the same lift. The vortical wake of an isolated helicopter rotor in hover is also simulated using RANS equations and Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model. Results show proper qualitative resolution of the interaction between the shear layer and the spiral tip vortex.
Introduction: Social value projects in post-liberalisation India

Through a discussion of the articles of this issue, this introduction explores the ways in which the social landscape of post-liberalisation India can be seen through the question of value. We are particularly interested in elucidating how heterogeneous kinds of value—be they economic, ritual, aesthetic, ethical or otherwise—have come to be articulated to and thus constitutive of various forms of cultural practice in contemporary India. We suggest that one way to understand the question of value is through in-depth ethnographic analysis of ‘social value projects’: reflexive and purposive attempts by social actors to produce, negotiate, transform, maintain and sometimes abjure various types of value. We suggest that such value projects can be ethnographically approached through the interactional events that comprise them and that these, in turn, require attention to the emergent and contingent nature of value, its multiplicities and excesses and the ways in which value is articulated to, and through, the p...
Studies in approximation methods—I: Splines and control via discrete dynamic programming

Abstract A novel approach is suggested for alleviating the curse of dimensionality in discrete dynamic programming as applied to optimal control problems. By using multidimensional B-splines to approximate the overall minimum objective and optimal control function, a significant reduction of computer storage is made. The ease and accuracy of this approach is demonstrated on a two-dimensional control problem. Extensions of this procedure are also proposed that result in increased accuracy.
Vaginal bleeding in childhood and adolescence

Vaginal bleeding in early childhood, regardless of its duration and quantity, is always of clinical importance. This article discusses the examination of the child and adolescent and reviews the various causes of vaginal bleeding in these patient groups.
Michael Lipsky, Street-Level Bureaucracy: Dilemmas of the Individual in Public Service

This Handbook brings together a collection of leading international authors to reflect on the influence of central contributions, or classics, that have shaped the development of the field of public policy and administration. The Handbook reflects on a wide range of key contributions to the field, selected on the basis of their international and wider disciplinary impact. Focusing on classics that contributed significantly to the field over the second half of the 20th century, it offers insights into works that have explored aspects of the policy process, of particular features of bureaucracy, and of administrative and policy reforms. Each classic is discussed by a leading international scholars. They offer unique insights into the ways in which individual classics have been received in scholarly debates and disciplines, how classics have shaped evolving research agendas, and how the individual classics continue to shape contemporary scholarly debates. In doing so, this volume offers a novel approach towards considering the various central contributions to the field. The Handbook offers students of public policy and administration state-of-the-art insights into the enduring impact of key contributions to the field