cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How do emergency nurse practitioners experience managing acutely unwell patients in minor injury units? An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

Abstract Introduction and aim Emergency nurse practitioners (ENPs) working autonomously within minor injury units (MIUs) sometimes have to manage acutely unwell patients who self present. It is likely that whilst emergency departments remain under increasing pressure, this subsection of patients will continue to attend. There is little published research exploring ENPs’ experiences during such incidents. This small qualitative study aims to explore emergency nurse practitioners’ experiences of managing acutely unwell patients in MIU. Method Data were collected using semi-structured face-to-face interviews via a purposive sample of six ENPs from a countywide MIU service within one UK Trust. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis framework (IPA) was used to interpret data. Findings Three superordinate themes evolved: emotional resilience, ENP identity and external factors. These were explored further through six further subthemes; emotional responses, coping, clinical competence, who is the MIU ENP? environmental factors and ‘why didn’t you call 999?’ Discussion ENPs regularly manage a diverse range of high acuity patients in MIUs, often with limited resources available. Such events are highly stressful, resulting in professional role disparity and leaving ENPs vulnerable to burnout and PTSD. Robust research is needed to determine how ENPs can prepare for such events, and the frequency of such incidents.
Structure and function of class III pistil-specific extensin-like protein in interspecific reproductive barriers

The transmitting tissue of the style is the pathway for pollen tube growth to the ovules and has components that function in recognizing and discriminating appropriate pollen genotypes. In Nicotiana tabacum, the class III pistil extensin-like (PELPIII) arabinogalactan protein is essential for the inhibition of N. obtusifolia pollen tube growth. The transmitting tissue-specific (TTS) arabinogalactan protein amino acid sequence and expression pattern is similar to PELPIII, but it facilitates self-pollinated N. tabacum. The TTS and PELPIII arabinogalactan protein can be divided into the less conserved N-terminal (NTD) and the more conserved C-terminal (CTD) domains. This research tested whether the NTD is the key domain in determining PELPIII function in the inhibition of interspecific pollen tube growth. Three variant PELPIII gene constructs were produced where the PELPIII NTD was exchanged with the TTS NTD and a single amino acid change (cysteine to alanine) was introduced into the PELPIII NTD. The PELPIII variants of N. tabacum were tested for activity by measuring the inhibition N. obtusifolia pollen tube growth by using them to complement a 3’UTR RNAi transgenic line with reduced PELPIII mRNA. The RNAi N. tabacum line had reduced PELPIII mRNA accumulation and reduced inhibition of N. obtusifolia pollen tube growth, but had no effect on self-pollen tube growth or pollen tube growth of 12 other Nicotiana species. The NTD of PELPIII with either the PELPIII or TTS CTDs complemented the loss PELPIII activity in the RNAi transgenic line as measured by inhibition of N. obtusifolia pollen tube growth. The TTS NTD with the PELPIII CTD and a variant PELPIII with a cysteine to alanine mutation in its NTD failed to complement the loss of PELPIII activity and did not inhibit N. obtusifolia pollen tube growth. The NTD is a key determinant in PELPIII’s function in regulating interspecific pollen tube growth and is a first step toward understanding the mechanism of how PELPIII NTD regulates pollen tube growth.
Functional form of the superconducting critical temperature from machine learning

Predicting the critical temperature ${T}_{c}$ of new superconductors is a notoriously difficult task, even for electron-phonon paired superconductors, for which the theory is relatively well understood. Early attempts to obtain a simple ${T}_{c}$ formula consistent with strong-coupling theory, by McMillan and by Allen and Dynes, led to closed-form approximate relations between ${T}_{c}$ and various measures of the phonon spectrum and the electron-phonon interaction appearing in Eliashberg theory. Here we propose that these approaches can be improved with the use of machine-learning algorithms. As an initial test, we train a model for identifying low-dimensional descriptors using the ${T}_{c}l10$ K dataset by Allen and Dynes, and show that a simple analytical expression thus obtained improves upon the Allen-Dynes fit. Furthermore, the prediction for the recently discovered high-${T}_{c}$ material ${\mathrm{H}}_{3}\mathrm{S}$ at high pressure is quite reasonable. Interestingly, ${T}_{c}$'s for more recently discovered superconducting systems with a more two-dimensional electron-phonon coupling, which do not follow Allen and Dynes's expression, also do not follow our analytic expression. Thus, this machine-learning approach appears to be a powerful method for highlighting the need for a new descriptor beyond those used by Allen and Dynes to describe their set of isotropic electron-phonon coupled superconductors. We argue that this machine-learning method, and its implied need for a descriptor characterizing Fermi-surface properties, represents a promising approach to superconductor materials discovery which may eventually replace the serendipitous discovery paradigm begun by Kamerlingh Onnes.
Cation–Anion Interactions in 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids with Aprotic Heterocyclic Anions (AHAs)

Ionic liquids with aprotic heterocyclic anions (AHAs) have been developed for CO2 capture but have been considered for other applications as well. Previously, we have shown that AHA ILs, where the only site for reaction with CO2 is the anion, the CO2 capacity correlates with anion basicity. Moreover, we have shown that 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ([Emim]+)AHA ILs can react with CO2 in two ways. The first is with the anion to form a carbamate. The second is by reaction of the deprotonated C2 of the imidazolium cation to form a carboxylate. Here we show that the amount of carboxylate formed when [Emim]+ AHA ILs are exposed to CO2 is not proportional to the anion basicity, contrary to expectations. Rather, it is roughly the same for all AHA ILs investigated, as long as the anion is able to readily deprotonate the C2. Moreover, the strength of the hydrogen bond between C2-H and the anion is not proportional to the anion basicity, once again contrary to expectations. In addition, we discovered that deuterium exchange occurs not only with the acidic proton on the C2 of the cation but also with the less acidic C4 and C5 protons of the imidazolium cation, when the anions are sufficiently basic. These conclusions were reached based on quantification of cation-CO2 and anion-CO2 complex formation, IR spectra, 1H NMR chemical shifts, and deuterium exchange equilibrium and kinetics.
The Respiratory Syncytial Virus Polymerase: A Multitasking Machine

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) inflicts a significant toll on human life. An essential element of the virus is its polymerase, a complex capable of transcribing and replicating the viral genome. In an exciting new advance, Gilman et al. resolve the structure of this polymerase, providing valuable mechanistic insight into its activities.
Discordant bilateral bronchoalveolar lavage findings in a patient with acute eosinophilic pneumonia associated with counterfeit tetrahydrocannabinol oil vaping

Vaping has emerged as a popular alternative form of inhalation of nicotine and marihuana derivates (including Tetrahydrocannabinol, THC) in part due to the avoidance of combustion byproducts. Unfortunately, THC oil (especially that produced by unregulated individuals) may contain dilutants such as propylene glycol, vitamin E, and flavoring ingredients that can lead to adverse respiratory effects. Acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP) has been described in association with e-cigarette and vaping associated lung injury (EVALI) but the majority of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples reported in the literature do not show eosinophils as the predominant cell lineage. Only two other cases of AEP have been published, and here we present the first case reported in the literature of a patient with EVALI with AEP pattern associated with counterfeit tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) oil vaping and discordant bilateral BAL cell count differential.
Placing a Feeding Tube in a Patient with Dementia

Feeding gastrostomy tubes are often placed into advanced dementia patients because either the family or physician wants artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) to provide love and care for the patient. Explore the survival data and the effects on quality of life with feeding tubes compared to careful hand feeding. Learn the ethical and religious implications about starting and withholding ANH in end-stage disease.
"Real-world" effect of a peer counselor on breastfeeding outcomes in an urban prenatal clinic in the United States.

One approach for improving breastfeeding support and alleviating breastfeeding disparities is the implementation of a clinic-based peer counselor. Our objective was to assess the “real life” effects of an autonomous peer counselor who provides tailored support to low-income, minority women based on individual needs rather than a pre-determined research protocol. This is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of women receiving publicly funded prenatal care during the 6 months before and after introduction of a peer counselor in a single prenatal clinic. The peer counselor provided one-on-one antenatal and postpartum lactation support. Electronic medical record and survey data were collected. The primary outcome was breastfeeding continuation at 6 weeks postpartum. Secondary outcomes included breastfeeding comfort, confidence, and training satisfaction, any breastfeeding, and total breastfeeding duration. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were performed. Peer counselor exposure was not associated with the primary outcome of continued breastfeeding at 6 weeks (55.6% with peer counselor versus 49.1% without; aOR 1.26, 95% CI 0.69–2.31). However, women with peer counselor exposure were more likely to be satisfied with breastfeeding training at the time of delivery (98.2% vs. 83.6%, p = 0.006) and were more likely to have performed any breastfeeding (89.8% vs. 78.9%, p = 0.04), which remained significant on multivariable analysis (aOR 2.85, 95% CI 1.11–7.32). Peer counselor interventions are a promising approach to increase breastfeeding initiation. Further research is required to inform the most efficacious approach while also allowing peer counselors to operate independently and in line with the specific needs of their clients.
Tire Derived Aggregate as a Sustainable Technique to Mitigate Transient Seismic Effect on Buried Concrete Pipes

Tier derived aggregate (TDA) is a relatively new sustainable light weight fill that has been developed during the last years. This lightweight fill has been utilized in previous studies to study its impact on the response of buried pipes subjected to fault movement induced due to seismic effect. However, these studies did not focus on the impact of using this light weight fill on the performance of buried pipes subjected to transient seismic shake, although recent publications illustrated the significant effect of transient seismic shake on the response of buried pipes. As a step to fill this gap in knowledge, this research has been conducted to investigate the static and seismic performance of a buried concrete pipe that is supported using TDA. The finite element method has been utilized in the analyses using earthquake records that cover a predominant frequency range of 0.93‒2.90 Hz and a peak ground acceleration (PGA) range of 0.15‒0.50 g. The results have also been compared with the case of a buried concrete pipe supported by dense soil. The results showed that the TDA reduces the maximum bending moments induced in the pipe wall by 27% for static condition and by 22‒39% for seismic conditions. In addition, the TDA also reduces the shear forces developed in the pipe wall by 37% for static condition and by 30‒43% for seismic conditions. The percentage reductions of the shear force and bending moment for the seismic condition depends on the frequency and the PGA of the seismic shake. Based on the obtained results, the TDA can be considered as one of the feasible options to be used as material supporting buried concrete pipes subjected to transient seismic shake.
Estimating Nephron Number from Biopsies: Impact on Clinical Studies.

Background: Accumulating evidence supports an association between nephron number and susceptibility to kidney disease. However, it is not currently possible to directly measure nephron number in a clinical setting. Recent clinical studies have used glomerular density from a single biopsy and whole kidney cortical volume from imaging to estimate both nephron number and single nephron glomerular filtration rate. However, the accuracy of these estimates from individual subjects is unknown. Furthermore, it is not clear how sample size or biopsy location may influence these estimates. These questions are critical to study design and to the potential translation of these tools to estimate nephron number in individual subjects. Methods: We measured the variability in estimated nephron number derived from needle or virtual biopsies and cortical volume in human kidneys declined for transplantation. We performed multiple needle biopsies in the same kidney, and examined the three-dimensional spatial distribution of nephron density by magnetic resonance imaging. We determined the accuracy of a single kidney biopsy to predict the mean nephron number estimated from multiple biopsies from the same kidney. Results: A single needle biopsy had a 15% chance and virtual biopsy had a 60% chance of being within 20% of whole kidney nephron number. Single needle biopsies could be used to detect differences in nephron number between large cohorts of several hundred subjects. Conclusions: The number of subjects required to accurately detect differences in nephron number between populations can be predicted based on natural intra-kidney variability in glomerular density. A single biopsy is insufficient to accurately predict nephron number in individual subjects.
Effects of Reversed Micelles on Prototropic Interactions and Fluorescence Behavior of 5-Aminothiabendazole: a Model Bioaggregates System for Drugs

The drug homologue, 5-aminothiabendazole, contains four major centers of basicity, and is an excellent sensor of the microenvironment in AOT reversed micelles at varying levels of added water. Its parent drug, thiabendazole, is an anthelmintic/antimalarial agent widely used in animals, and as a fungicide on fruits and vegetables. The 5-amino derivative’s absorption and fluorescence spectra are unusually sensitive to pH, polarity, viscosity, and complexation effects. Spectral data strongly indicates three types of solubilization sites in AOT medium. At low R values, where R is the water to surfactant molar ratio, ground state absorbance spectra indicate that the lone pair of electrons on the amino group is strongly hydrogen bonded by the highly interactive water present in the core. An unbound form in a methanol-type environment is also in evidence. As the amount of water is increased, the extent of hydrogen bonding of the amino substituent decreases, and more probe appears unbound in the enlarging water pool. Fluorescence spectral data reflect excited state protonation of the unbound free base form occurring, which does not occur in ordinary bulk water, and it becomes more extensive as the water core increases in size. This is likely due to the still atypical structure of water in the 0.13 to 12 R value range studied, and the micellar core water’s enhancement effects on the kinetics of prototropic reactions.
Role of the Central Nervous System in The Control of Reproductive Mechanisms By Gonadal Steroids

Modification of gonadotropin secretion is the principal means whereby the oral contraceptive agents control fertility, and their natural counterparts - the ovarian hormones - regulate the reproductive cycle. Estrogenic steroids have inhibitory or “negative feedback” effects on the secretion of FSH and LH; progestins have a similar relationship to LH. Under certain circumstances both types of steroid can have stimulatory (“positive feedback”) effects on LH secretion. Synergistic relationships have been demonstrated between the inhibitory effects of the two ovarian steroids (1).
Child sexual abuse and subsequent psychopathology: results from the National Comorbidity Survey.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the relationship between child sexual abuse (CSA) and subsequent onset of psychiatric disorders, accounting for other childhood adversities, CSA type, and chronicity of the abuse. METHODS: Retrospective reports of CSA, other adversities, and psychiatric disorders were obtained by the National Comorbidity Survey, a nationally representative survey of the United States (n = 5877). Reports were analyzed by multivariate methods. RESULTS: CSA was reported by 13.5% of women and 2.5% of men. When other childhood adversities were controlled for, significant associations were found between CSA and subsequent onset of 14 mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders among women and 5 among men. In a subsample of respondents reporting no other adversities, odds of depression and substance problems associated with CSA were higher. Among women, rape (vs molestation), knowing the perpetrator (vs strangers), and chronicity of CSA (vs isolated incidents) were associated with higher odds of some disorders. CONCLUSIONS: CSA usually occurs as part of a larger syndrome of childhood adversities. Nonetheless, CSA, whether alone or in a larger adversity cluster, is associated with substantial increased risk of subsequent psychopathology.
Modeling and dynamic resource allocation for high definition and mobile video streams

Video streaming traffic has been surging in the last few years, which has resulted in an increase of its Internet traffic share on a daily basis. The importance of video streaming management has been emphasized with the advent of High Definition (HD) video streaming, as it requires by its nature more network resources. In this dissertation, we provide a better support for managing HD video traffic over both wireless and wired networks through several contributions. We present a simple, general and accurate video source model: Simplified Seasonal ARIMA Model (SAM). SAM is capable of capturing the statistical characteristics of video traces with less than 5% difference from their calculated optimal models. SAM is shown to be capable of modeling video traces encoded with MPEG-4 Part2, MPEG-4 Part10, and Scalable Video Codec (SVC) standards, using various encoding settings. We also provide a large and publicly-available collection of HD video traces along with their analyses results. These analyses include a full statistical analysis of HD videos, in addition to modeling, factor and cluster analyses. These results show that by using SAM, we can achieve up to 50% improvement in video traffic prediction accuracy. In addition, we developed several video tools, including an HD video traffic generator based on our model. Finally, to improve HD video streaming resource management, we present a SAM-based delay-guaranteed dynamic resource allocation (DRA) scheme that can provide up to 32.4% improvement in bandwidth utilization.
Heterogeneity of bovine fibrinogen and fibrin.

Abstract We have attempted to relate the heterogeneity found when native bovine fibrinogen, which is known to have the subunit structure [Aα Bβ γ]2, was chromatographed on DEAE-Sephadex A-50, to electrophoretic differences among the constituent polypeptide chains and differences in the content of charged groups. Bovine fibrinogen, purified from the blood of individual animals, eluted from DEAE-Sephadex A-50 as three major peaks, each of which appeared heterogeneous. Two γ chains were distinguished by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the reduced, S-carboxymethylated derivative of unchromatographed fibrinogen in 8 m urea at pH 8.6. Fibrin from the first major chromatographic peak contained only the more cationic γ chain. Fibrin from the second peak contained equal amounts of the two γ chains as judged by densitometry of stained gels. Fibrin from the third peak contained predominantly the more anionic γ chain. These findings indicate that separation into the three major peaks is due to the three possible combinations of two different γ chains in native fibrinogen. Since a Ferguson plot of the relative mobilities of the two γ chains versus gel concentration in 8 m urea at pH 9.5 yielded parallel lines, and since the two γ chains were not separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate at pH 7.0, it is likely that the two γ chains differ in charge but not in size. Analyses of fractions within each of the major peaks suggest that heterogeneity within the peaks is due to differences in phosphate content, which varied from 0.6 to 3.8 moles of phosphate per mole of fibrinogen. These observations indicate that within an individual animal there are as many as 36 different fibrinogen molecules, differing either in the composition of γ chains or in the content of bound phosphate.
Warez Trading and Criminal Copyright Infringement

Warez traders have been blamed as a significant cause of copyright piracy, which has led to several dozen conviction of warez traders in the past two years. The article analyzes how criminal copyright infringement and other laws apply to warez trading. The article also describes the prosecutions of warez trading, including a comprehensive chart of all warez trading convictions. The article concludes with a brief policy discussion about the problems created by Congress' effort to criminalize warez trading.
Every set of finite Hausdorff measure is a countable union of sets whose Hausdorff measure and content coincide

A set E C R n is h-straight if E has finite Hausdorff h-measure equal to its Hausdorff h-content, where h : [0,∞) → [0,∞) is continuous and non-decreasing with h(0) = 0. Here, if h satisfies the standard doubling condition, then every set of finite Hausdorff h-measure in R n is shown to be a countable union of h-straight sets. This also settles a conjecture of Foran that when h(t) = t s , every set of finite s-measure is a countable union of s-straight sets.
Remarks on robot dynamics: canonical transformations and Riemannian geometry

The author uses tools from Hamiltonian mechanics and Riemannian geometry to illustrate some properties of robot dynamics that are useful both for robot control and for the design of robotic manipulators. Several authors have noted that if the robot inertia matrix D(q) can be factored as N/sup T/(q)N(q), where N(q) is the Jacobian of a function Q(q), then Q and P=N(q)q define a canonical transformation relative to which the robot dynamics are particularly simple. In the present work, the author gives necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of such a factorization and discusses their implications for robot control. >
Diabetes and Public Health in the United States

Diabetes mellitus (DM) in the United States is a chronic disease epidemic. Further, the rate of increase in the prevalence of diabetes, year to year, is increasing, and the onset of diabetes is at ever younger ages, with prevalence of type 2 diabetes now increasing at greatest rates among people in their 30s. Should the epidemic of type 2 DM increase, even at its present rate, it is projected that there will be approximately 30 million persons with known DM in the United States by 2050. In essence, there will be more people with diabetes who have a longer duration of disease, with the devastating complications and associated morbidity, mortality, impaired quality of life, and costs; and this could increase substantially during the next two decades. The rise in prevalence observed in the United States is also happening throughout the world, and all countries can anticipate increasing challenges associated with DM. Keywords: public health; prevention; control
Affective disorders in the elderly

Geriatric affective disorders constitute a major clinical and public health problem. This article reviews clinical data and research in this area. Epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, course of illness, biologic markers and pathophysiology are discussed and suggestions for the future course of research are made.
A Deglacial and Holocene Record of Climate Variability in South-Central Alaska from Stable Oxygen Isotopes and Plant Macrofossils in Peat

We used stable oxygen isotopes derived from bulk peat (delta-O-18(sub TOM) in conjunction with plant macrofossils and previously published carbon accumulation records, in a approximately14,500 cal yr BP peat core (HT Fen) from the Kenai lowlands in south-central Alaska to reconstruct the climate history of the area. We find that patterns are broadly consistent with those from lacustrine records across the region, and agree with the interpretation that major shifts in delta-O-18(sub TOM) values indicate changes in strength and position of the Aleutian Low (AL), a semi-permanent low-pressure cell that delivers winter moisture to the region. We find decreased strength or a more westerly position of the AL (relatively higher delta-O-18(sub TOM) values) during the Bolling-Allerod, Holocene Thermal Maximum (HTM), and late Holocene, which also correspond to warmer climate regimes. These intervals coincide with greater peat preservation and enhanced carbon (C) accumulation rates at the HT Fen and with peatland expansion across Alaska. The HTM in particular may have experienced greater summer precipitation as a result of an enhanced Pacific subtropical high, a pattern consistent with modern delta-O-18 values for summer precipitation. The combined warm summer temperatures and greater summer precipitation helped promote the observed rapid peat accumulation. A strengthened AL (relatively lower delta-O-18(sub TOM) values) is most evident during the Younger Dryas, Neoglaciation, and the Little Ice Age, consistent with lower peat preservation and C accumulation at the HT Fen, suggesting less precipitation reaches the leeward side of the Kenai Mountains during periods of enhanced AL strength. The peatlands on the Kenai Peninsula thrive when the AL is weak and the contribution of summer precipitation is higher, highlighting the importance of precipitation seasonality in promoting peat accumulation. This study demonstrates that delta-O-18(sub TOM) values in peat can be applied toward understand large-scale shifts in atmospheric circulation over millennial timescales.
Generalized Functional Forms and Demand for Money in an Open Economy: The Case of the United Kingdom

The purpose of this paper are twofold: first, to apply a Box-Cox model to the UK money demand relationship within an open economy framework in order to empirically investigate the proper functional form supported by the data in this general setting. Secondly, to test for the proper scale variable in the UK money demand function within the open economy Box-Cox specification. These improvements enhance the accuracy of our measures of monetary and fiscal policy effects and our understanding of the interdependence between different economies. The empirical results derived here reject the restrictive linear and log specifications in favour of the general Box-Cox model under both income and consumption-based money demand specifications. The traditional income-based model, however, escapes unharmed from the challenge put forward by Mankiew and Summers (1986).
The phased division and cytological characteristics of Pyrocystis spp. can be used to estimate doubling times of their populations in the sea

The division rates of oceanic dinoflagellates in the genus Pyrocystis has been estimated by determining the fraction of their population which divided each day. For P. noctiluca, mean doubling times were 4 to 15 days at stations in the Tyrrhenian Sea in September, 1970, and 9 to 19 days at stations in the Sargasso Sea in April, 1971. For P. fusiformis, they were 7 to 18 days at stations in the Sargasso Sea in April, 1971. In many cases, the mean doubling times at different stations were statistically different, but the differences could not be explained using the available hydrographic data.
Optimum Management of Overactive Bladder: Medication vs Botox® vs InterStim® vs Urgent® PC

Abstract Introduction Optimal management of the overactive bladder is changing quickly, and urology practices need to stay in the vanguard of offering safe and effective therapies when anticholinergics are not effective or not tolerated. Methods We will review approved therapies for overactive bladder prescribed after behavioral therapy and anticholinergic medications have failed. Results The treatment failure rate of anticholinergics is high and does not improve with the use of multiple drugs. Therefore, we propose a new treatment paradigm that will stop anticholinergic cycling. Conclusions We believe that it is time to get patients off the anticholinergic cycle and move forward with effective alternative treatments to optimize overactive bladder therapy.
Replacement of active-site cysteine-436 by serine converts cytochrome P450 2B4 into an NADPH oxidase with negligible monooxygenase activity

The function of the unique axial thiolate ligand of cytochrome P450 has been investigated by mutagenesis of the active-site cysteine with other amino acids in NH(2)-truncated P450s 2B4 and 2E1. The expressed Ser-436 variant of P450 2B4 was highly purified but incurred considerable heme loss. The pyridine hemochrome spectrum of C436S is characteristic of protoporphyrin IX, and the absolute spectra display Soret maxima at 405 nm (ferric), 422 nm (ferrous), and 413 nm (ferrous CO). 2B4:C436S catalyzes the NADPH- and time-dependent formation of H(2)O(2) in the reconstituted enzyme system, with maximal rates at approximately equimolar amounts of P450 reductase and C436S hemeprotein. The 2-electron oxidase activity with saturating reductase is directly proportional to the concentration of 2B4:C436S, and the turnover is 60-70% of that of the wild-type enzyme. In contrast, the C436S variant is devoid of oxygenase activity with typical substrates such as d-benzphetamine, 1-phenylethanol, and 4-fluorophenol, and has only marginal 4-nitrophenol aromatic hydroxylation activity. H(2)O(2)-supported peroxidation of guaiacol and pyrogallol is comparable with 2B4 and mutant C436S and negligible relative to the turnover of peroxidases with these substrates. Neither 2B4 nor 2B4:C436S catalyzes H(2)O(2) decomposition. It is concluded that replacement of active-site Cys-436 by Ser converts P450 2B4 mainly into a 2-electron oxidase.
Soil Water Content Determination Using Network Analyzer Reflectometry Methods

Time domain reflectometry (TDR) can be a good automated system for measuring soil water content (θ v ); however, TDR can yield noisy data and cannot measure frequency dependence of the dielectric constant (K a ), Using a network analyzer (NA) with a low-noise synthesized TDR, parallel-rod probes, and a resonant waveguide approach, θ v was measured from 0.02 to 0.25 m 3 m -3 within the range of 50 to 900 MHz in sand. Below 100 MHz, K a was higher than it was within the range of 100 to 900 MHz; however, in the 100 to 900 MHz range K a did not change with frequency. The NA compared favorably with TDR.
Ziprasidone treatment of delirium.

Received September 15, 2001; accepted September 24, 2001. From the Psychiatry Department, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Leso, Psychiatry Department, SUNY Upstate Medical University, 750 East Adams St, Syracuse, New York 13210. Copyright 2002 The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. Ziprasidone is the most recently available antipsychotic agent approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that is chemically unrelated to the phenothiazine or butyrophenone antipsychotic chemical families. In vitro, ziprasidone exhibits high-affinity blockade of the dopamine D2 and D3 receptors; the serotonin 5HT2A, 5HT2C, and 5HTID receptors; and the l-adrenergic receptors. This pattern of receptor occupancy suggests a broad potential for therapeutic efficacy and minimal extrapyramidal and sedating side effects in the treatment of psychotic illness. Many antipsychotics have electrophysiologic effects that resemble those of class Ia antiarrhythmic agents. A prolongation in the QT interval may occur, with the potential to cause torsade de pointes and sudden death. Some antipsychotics carry a high risk for this event, including thioridazine, mesoridazine, pimozide, and droperidol. Of the new atypical agents, sertindole (withdrawn from the market) carried a substantial risk, followed by ziprasidone and risperidone. Quetiapine, clozapine, and olanzapine are believed to have negligible effects on the QT interval. Certain risk factors for QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias have been demonstrated, including hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, bradycardia, congenital long QT syndrome, and any underlying cardiac pathology. We present the first known case of a patient with delirium successfully treated with ziprasidone. We outline some of the potential management issues involved in treating delirium with this agent.
Synchronous machine reference frames

PRESENT-DAY economics indicate the practicability of long-distance a-c power transmission in many localities for distances greater than 300 miles. One of the important characteristics of such a transmission system is its steady-state stability limit. That is, at some particular steady-state load and system condition, when the synchronous machine is still able to supply more power across the line, the system nevertheless loses synchronism. This is interpreted physically to mean that the generator has no longer enough synchronizing torque to keep it in synchronism against small disturbances that continually arise.
Tissue damage detection by osmotic surveillance

Niethammer and colleagues report that leukocytes are recruited to damaged tissue sites in zebrafish through an osmotic signalling network that responds to changes in osmolarity between the interstitial fluid and the external environment.
A data base oriented dynamic methodology for the failure analysis of closed loop control systems in process plant

Abstract Dynamic methodologies are defined as those which explicitly account for the time element in system operation for failure modeling. A dynamic methodology is presented for the accurate failure analysis of closed loop control systems (CLCS) in process plants, using: (a) a data base to describe the CLCS process physics, and (b) a Markov model to describe the probabilistic evolution of the controlled variables in discrete time and discretized controlled variable state space. Both the preparation of the data base and construction of the Markov model are mechanized. The methodology is advantageous if: (a) there is an existing computer code for the fast simulation of CLCS behavior under both normal and failed component operation, (b) the failure characteristics of the CLCS for given initial conditions and over a specified time interval are of interest, and (c) several analyses need to be performed in view of uncertainties in the component failure data. The methodology is illustrated on a CLCS for maintaining the reactor vessel pressure and water levels in Boiling Water Reactors within allowed ranges following a small-break loss of coolant accident (LOCA). The results for the probability of occurrence of the Top Events (e.g. high pressure, low level) during a 60 min interval following the LOCA are compared to those predicted by the fault-tree approach using digraphs.
Image segmentation from multi-look passive polarimetric imagery

A passive imaging polarimeter records the polarization state of light reflected by an object that is illuminated with an unpolarized and usually uncontrolled source. Passive polarimetric imagery has shown to be useful in many remote sensing applications including shape extraction, material classification and target detection/recognition. In this paper, we present an image segmentation algorithm that automatically extracts an object from multi-look passive polarimetric imagery. The term multi-look refers to multiple polarization measurements where the position of the source of illumination (typically the Sun in passive systems) changes between measurements. The proposed method relies on our previous work on estimating the complex index of refraction and reflection angle from multi-look passive polarimetric imagery. We experimentally showed that the estimates for the index of refraction were largely invariant to both the position of the source and the view angle. Consequently, we utilize the index of refraction as a feature vector to design an illumination invariant image segmentation algorithm. A clustering approach based on the classic c-means algorithm is used for segmenting objects based on their index of refraction. The proposed segmentation approach is validated by using data collected under laboratory conditions. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method is effective for segmenting various targets of interest.
Elimination of Intracanal Metallic Obstructions by Abrasion Using an Operational Microscope and Ultrasonics

Intracanal metallic obstructions that block any further treatment often prevent the clinician from achieving total cleanliness of the root canal system. For the retrieval of these obstructions, most of the methods described suggest creating and enlarging a space around the obstruction to loosen it before its retrieval. This article describes a technique that consists of mechanical abrasion of the obstruction without altering canal walls by using an operational microscope and ultrasonic spreader.
Critical circuit parameters in producing a toroidal air plasma

A multi-millisecond duration, toroidal air plasma with electron density of 1014-1015 cm-3 has been developed at the University of Missouri-Columbia. An exploding wire is used to first form the plasma and a secondary discharge region is used to further heat and impart momentum. Using this method of post discharge heating, we have been able to produce a self-confined, self-stabilized, toroidal air plasma, or TAP. A study of circuit parameters has been conducted to better understand the critical factors in the formation and evolution of the TAP. Circuit inductance and load resistance has been varied to determine the critical aspects of the formation of the TAP. A full diagnostic suite of pressure sensors, high speed photography, as well as current and voltage measurements, have been utilized to observe the TAP. Results from these experiments are presented as well as the experimental set up including the high voltage driving circuit.
THE ANOMALOUS ROOT STRUCTURE OF CYCAS REVOLUTA

AFTER A fascicled root system had been observed by Bryan (1936) in greenhouse plants of Cycas revoluta Thunb., an anatomical study of the fleshy adventitious roots was undertaken.2 Of principal interest is a centrifugally arranged primary xylem in addition to the regular centripetal metaxylem; this root, therefore, is mesarch. Among the few descriptions of Cycad roots, that of de Bary (1884) is the only one to mention reticulate tracheids, appearing as if secondarily in a centrifugal direction from the primary xylem plate. Material was obtained from plants grown in the botanical greenhouses of the University of Wisconsin. Each root after being washed was cut into segments approximately 1 cm. long; these segments were numbered consecutively, fixed with formol-alcohol-acetic or chrom-acetic solution in separate vials, and imbedded in paraffin. Several cross sections were cut from the proximal end of each segment; longitudinal sections were cut from the remainder of each segment that showed a distinct variance from those segments above or below. Staining was with safranin and fast green. One of the roots (A) most thoroughly studied was 17 cm. long; its segments were numbered A-i, A-2, .etc., progressing consecutively upward to A-19 at the stem end. Series B contained 2 much older and larger roots. Series D contained the 7 continuous segments of a 15 cm. root. Series E and F were from roots 4 and 6 cm. long, respectively. OBSERVATIONS. -The gross feature of the adventitious roots that is most conspicuous is their fleshy character. Root A has a maximum diameter of 15 mm. at a level about 1 cm. from the proximal end. In cross sections of thisroot at any level,, the cortex occupies almost 3/4 the total diameter of the root. Even the growing tip is blunt and massive. All the cortical cells arise in the meristematic region and become differentiated at once into parenchyma. It is chiefly the enlargement of each cell of the cortex to several times its original size that results in the growth in diameter of the whole root. The number of parenchymatous cells, counted in a radial direction, is almost exactly the same in a cross section near the tip and in one near the proximal end. At the proximal end of each root examined there are either 7 or 8 protoxylem points. By a merging from time to time of neighboring points, this number regularly decreases as the root is traced downward. In root A, the decrease segment by segment is as follows: A-19, septarch; A-18, hexarch; A-17, pentarch; A-15, tetrarch; A-13, triarch; A-8, diarch.
Social-tie based content retrieval for delay-tolerant mobile ad-hoc networks

Previous studies have shown that social networking can assist delay-tolerant routing design in many respects. In this paper, we specifically address content retrieval in delay-tolerant mobile ad-hoc networks. We propose a social-tie based content retrieval scheme to support the delay-tolerant MANET. The social hierarchy is structured using balanced connectivity criteria and a K-mean clustering algorithm. The proposed scheme has been evaluated and validated on a real social network dataset.
Epidermoids of the cerebellopontine angle: a 20-year experience.

Abstract Background There is considerable debate within the current literature whether total or subtotal removal of CPA epidermoids yields better long-term outcomes. The aim of this study was to review our experience with cerebellopontine-angle epidermoid tumors, as well as the current literature, focusing on the correlation between long-term outcome and the extent of surgical removal. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 24 patients with epidermoid tumors of the CPA surgically treated at our institution between 1985 and 2005. Results The mean duration from onset of symptoms to surgery was 3.1 years. Cranial nerve dysfunction was noted in 83% of patients preoperatively. Total removal was achieved in 13 patients, near total removal in 6 patients, and subtotal removal in 5 patients. Patients who underwent total removal had a median MRS score of 0, whereas those who underwent near/subtotal removal had a median MRS score of 1. The rate of recurrence was 23% in tumors considered totally removed and 27% in those near/subtotally removed. Of the 6 patients with recurrences, 5 underwent a second operation. The mean duration of follow-up was 4.2 years. Conclusions Total removal of CPA epidermoids does not result in significantly increased morbidity and mortality and should be the goal of surgical treatment. However, near/subtotal resection of lesions that extend far beyond the CPA or are densely adherent to neurovascular structures is justified, as there is no significant difference in the rate of recurrence.
The function of factor XI in tissue factor-initiated thrombin generation.

Summary. The influence of plasma and platelet factor (F)XI on thrombin generation initiated with 10 pm tissue factor (TF) in a synthetic coagulation model was evaluated in the presence of either 2 × 108 mL−1 platelets or the equivalent (2 µm) phospholipids. In either system, with all proteins present at physiological concentrations, FXI (30 nm) had no effect on thrombin generation. With phospholipids in the absence of FXI, an increase in vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDP) (up to 500%) significantly prolonged the initiation phase of thrombin generation and decreased maximum thrombin levels. The inhibition was principally caused by the elevated prothrombin and FIX concentrations. When 30 nm FXI was added with elevated VKDP and phospholipids, the initiation phase was decreased and the maximum thrombin levels generated substantially increased. In experiments with platelets (with and without plasma FXI), an increase in VKDP had little effect on the initiation phase of thrombin generation. These data indicate that (i) FXI has no effect on thrombin generation at 10 pm TF and physiological concentrations of VKDP; (ii) platelets and plasma FXI are able to compensate for the inhibitory effects of elevated VKDP.
An evaluation infrastructure for power and energy optimisations

This paper presents an infrastructure that uses program phase behaviour and brings together the advantages of simulation and physical measurement to capture detailed program power behaviour. Based on the direct correlation between instructions-per-cycle and power dissipation for the same piece of code, we refine the phase classification used in SimPoint to improve the similarity among the intervals in the same phase in terms of time-dependent power behaviour. Experimental results show that this classification method significantly decreases the average relative standard deviation across the intervals within each phase by 68% with respect to the average power dissipation of the intervals.
Lunar basin formation and highland stratigraphy

Multiring impact basins, formed after solidification of the lunar crust, account for most or all premare regional deposits and structures expressed in the lunar landscape and for major topographic and gravity variations. A fresh basin has two or more concentric mountain rings, a lineated ejecta blanket, and secondary impact craters. Crackled material on the floor may be impact melt. The ejecta blanket was emplaced at least partly as a ground-hugging flow and was probably hot. A suggested model of basin formation is that the center lifts up and the rings form by inward collapse during evisceration. The resulting basin is shallow and has a central uplift of the mantle. This results in a central gravity high and a ring low. Later flooding by mare basalt has since modified most near side basins. Highland deposits of plains, furrowed and pitted terrain, and various hills, domes, and craters that were interpreted before the Apollo missions as being volcanic can now be interpreted as being basin related.
Optimal sliding mode Gaussian controller for a hydropower plant

This paper presents a study of an optimal sliding mode Gaussian (OSG) controller implemented in the hydraulic modeling program SIMSEN for Load Frequency Control (LFC). System Identification is used to obtain a dynamic model of the turbine in SIMSEN and is subsequently used in an observer to generate the estimated state vector and to design a sliding mode controller. Results are compared with those of traditional PI and LQG designs. It is shown that the OSG control method improves the system performance under a load disturbance.
Electrochemistry in liquid ammonia

Abstract Cyclic voltammograms of CO solutions in liquid NH3 (0.1 M KI, −50°C) at various working electrodes (Pt, Ni, C, Hg) show a irreversible wave just before the onset of the generation of solvated electrons (es−). The reaction of CO with electrogenerated es− produces the dimeric species C2O22−, which precipitates as K2C2O2. Current-reversal chronopotentiometry for solvated electrons generated in the presence of CO at various pressures (up to 14 atm) and analyzed by digital simulation techniques indicates that the second-order rate constant for the reaction of es− with CO is >103 M−1 s−1 at −50°C.