cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bioinformatics: Searching the net

During the past 30 years, there has been an explosion in the volume of published medical information. As this volume has increased, so has the need for efficient methods for searching the data. MEDLINE, the primary medical database, is currently limited to abstracts of the medical literature. MEDLINE searches use AND/OR/NOT logical searching for keywords that have been assigned to each article and for textwords included in article abstracts. Recently, the complete text of some scientific journals, including figures and tables, has become accessible electronically. Keyword and textword searches can provide an overwhelming number of results. Search engines that use phrase searching, or searches that limit the number of words between two finds, improve the precision of search engines. The development of the Internet as a vehicle for worldwide communication, and the emergence of the World Wide Web (WWW) as a common vehicle for communication have made instantaneous access to much of the entire body of medical information an exciting possibility. There is more than one way to search the WWW for information. At the present time, two broad strategies have emerged for cataloging the WWW: directories and search engines. These allow more efficient searching of the WWW. Directories catalog WWW information by creating categories and subcategories of information and then publishing pointers to information within the category listings. Directories are analogous to yellow pages of the phone book. Search engines make no attempt to categorize information. They automatically scour the WWW looking for words and then automatically create an index of those words. When a specific search engine is used, its index is searched for a particular word. Usually, search engines are nonspecific and produce voluminous results. Use of AND/OR/NOT and "near" and "adjacent" search refinements greatly improve the results of a search. Search engines that limit their scope to specific sites, and metasearch sites that use multiple search engines optimized for specific types of searches have recently emerged. The distinctions between search engines and directory searches have blurred. Eventually, conceptual searching in which the computer searches for related ideas, without having to be given all the related keywords, may become a reality. This will free the user from having to learn specific rules about searching, allowing energies to be focused on results of the search, not the search itself.
Lung preservation threshold in a compromised septic lung injury model

Background. Discrepancy between clinical and research works in lung transplantation could be due to differences between compromised clinical donor lungs and intact research lungs. The purpose of this laboratory study was to produce compromised lungs to compare with normal ones. Methods. Sprague-Dawley rats were continuously infused with lipopolysaccharide (5 mg/kg) for 24 hours before organ harvest. Lungs were stored in University of Wisconsin solution at 4°C for the following period: group 1: intact lungs, no storage (n = 12); group 2: septic lungs, no storage (n = 6); group 3: septic lungs for 6 hours (n = 5); and group 4: septic lungs for 12 hours (n = 5). All lungs were reperfused for 2 hours with venous blood using an isolated, pulsatile perfused lung system. Results. Experimental variables were comparable between groups 1, 2, and 3. All septic lungs stored for 12 hours (group 4) failed within 1 hour of perfusion. Conclusions. These results indicate that compromised lungs with septic injury functioned at near control levels after 6 hours of preservation. Six hours may be a safe limit for human donor lungs, all of which are compromised in some way by the time of harvest.
Auditory signals for enhanced operator performance with hand-held mine detectors

Selection of temporal and spectral properties of the auditory signal directly affects the listener ability to detect and recognize the signal. A properly designed auditory signal for mine detection operations should be resistant to predominantly low frequency environmental masking noises and easily hear by most users. Many of whom suffer form high-frequency noise-induced hearing loss. In fact, high frequency h earing loss caused by noise exposure is the moist common occupational illness in DOD as well as the USA. Regrettably, many current hand-held mine detection systems use a high-frequency pure tone or a highly- unbalanced high-pitch complex tone to alert the user to the present of an object buried in the ground. Inability to hear the auditory signal or even small variations of the auditory signal can result in an operator failing to detect a mine, a potentially fatal operator error. Unfortunately, proper engineering of the auditory signal is not as simple as selecting another lower frequency pure tone and the use of complex stimuli many be needed. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in detectability of a specific auditory stimulus as a function of the number of components added to the basic signal. Obtained data provide support to the doctrine that mine detector warning signals should be complex signals expanding over several octaves.
Relationships among injury and disordered eating, menstrual dysfunction, and low bone mineral density in high school athletes: a prospective study.

Abstract Context: Prior authors have reported associations among increased risk of injury and factors of the female athlete triad, as defined before the 2007 American College of Sports Medicine pos...
Intersection properties of graphs

Abstract For each graph-theoretic property, we define a corresponding ‘intersection property’, motivated by the natural relationship of paths with interval graphs, and of trees with chordal graphs. We then develop a simple formal language, based on vertices and paths, which supports transfer of selected information about the original property to its intersection property. For instance, a simple description of paths produces the asteroidal triple characterization of interval graphs.
Correspondence of retinal thinning and vasculopathy in mice with oxygen-induced retinopathy

The aberrantly vascularized peripheral retina in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) may be associated with visual field constriction, retinal dysfunction, and abnormalities in retinal thickness which is commonly assessed by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT). However, due to the limitation of SDOCT for peripheral retinal imaging, retinal thickness in avascular peripheral retina in ROP has not been evaluated. Oxygen induced retinopathy (OIR) in mice has features of vasculopathy similar to those in human ROP. These features occur in the posterior retina and thereby are accessible by standard imaging methods. The purpose of the current study was to determine the correspondence between abnormalities in retinal thickness and vasculopathy in neonatal OIR mice by simultaneous SDOCT imaging and fluorescein angiography (FA). Newborn mice (N = 19; C57BL/6J strain) were exposed to 77% oxygen from postnatal day 7 (P7) to P12. Age-matched control mice (N = 12) were raised in room air. FA and SDOCT were performed in mice between P17 and P19 to visualize retinal vasculature and measure retinal thickness, respectively. Retinal thickness measurements in vascular regions of interest (ROIs) of control mice, and in hypovascular and avascular ROIs of OIR mice were compared. In control mice, FA showed uniformly dense retinal capillary networks between major retinal vessels and retinal thickness of vascular ROIs was 260 ± 7 μm (N = 12). In OIR mice, FA displayed hypovascular regions with less dense and fewer capillaries and avascular regions devoid of visible capillaries. Retinal thickness measurements of hypovascular and avascular ROIs were 243 ± 21 μm and 209 ± 11 μm (N = 19), respectively. Retinal thickness in hypovascular and avascular ROIs of OIR mice was significantly lower than in vascular ROIs of control mice (p ≤ 0.01). Likewise, retinal thickness in avascular ROIs was significantly lower than in hypovascular ROIs (p < 0.001). Retinal thinning in hypovascular and avascular regions may be due to arrested retinal development and/or ischemia induced apoptosis.
Moloney leukemia virus 10 (MOV10) protein inhibits retrovirus replication

Moloney leukemia virus 10 (MOV10) protein is a superfamily-1 RNA helicase, and it is also a component of the RNA-induced silencing complex. Recent studies have shown that MOV10 plays an active role in the RNA interference pathway. Here, we report that MOV10 inhibits retrovirus replication. When it was overexpressed in viral producer cells, MOV10 was able to reduce the infectivity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), simian immunodeficiency virus, and murine leukemia virus. Conversely, when MOV10 expression was reduced by small interfering RNAs, HIV-1 infectivity was increased. Consistently, silencing of MOV10 expression in a human T cell line enhanced HIV-1 replication. Furthermore, we found that MOV10 interacts with HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein in an RNA-dependent manner and is packaged into virions. It blocks HIV-1 replication at a postentry step. In addition, we also found that HIV-1 could suppress MOV10 protein expression to counteract this cellular resistance. All of these results indicate that MOV10 has a broad antiretroviral activity that can target a wide range of retroviruses, and it could be actively involved in host defense against retroviral infection.
Isolated elevated blood neutrophil concentration at altitude does not require NICU admission if appropriate reference ranges are used

The Intermountain Healthcare hospitals use a clinical pathway algorithm for early-onset infection, which is based on the 2002 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for perinatal group B streptococcal disease. As part of this pathway, neonates in the well baby nursery, who seem to be well but have risk factors for infection, receive a ‘limited laboratory evaluation including a CBC’, and if the complete blood cell count (CBC) is abnormal, antibiotic treatment and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) monitoring are initiated. We recently found that reference ranges for absolute neutrophil counts (ANCs) are much wider at our altitude (4800 to 5000 ft) than at sea level. On this basis, we speculated that some well babies with risk factors for infection are mistakenly judged as having an abnormal CBC, and are unnecessarily admitted to the NICU . This was a retrospective observational cohort study of neonates of >37 weeks gestation admitted to either of two Intermountain Healthcare NICUs for intravenous antibiotic treatment during a recent 36-month period. During the study period 3217 patients were admitted to the two NICUs, 1049 (32.6%) of which were born at>37 weeks gestation. Of these, 14 (1.3%) were found to have been admitted to the NICU on the basis of an abnormal CBC (elevated ANC), when in retrospect, using the appropriate ANC chart, their CBCs were completely normal. None of the 14 neonates had a leukocyte left shift (immature to total neutrophil ratio >0.3) or thrombocytopenia. None were treated with supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation in the NICU. All 14 had sterile blood cultures. All had antibiotics stopped in 48 to 72 h, and all were discharged home as well babies. We identified 14 neonates who, while in the well baby nursery, were found to have risk factors for early-onset infection, but did not seem to be infected, and were subsequently admitted to a NICU for intravenous antibiotic treatment and monitoring under the mistaken impression that they had an abnormal CBC. We maintain that use of an appropriate neutrophil reference range chart can reduce NICU admissions and can limit unnecessary antibiotic exposure.
Hydroponics: Its history and use in plant nutrition studies

Abstract Hydroponics is a widely and frequently used technique for growing plants without soil, providing for a considerable degree of control of the elemental environment surrounding the root. The technique has an interesting history of development and use dating back into the mid 18th‐century, although the growing of plants in nutrient rich water may have dated back into the early history of man. The determination of the essential elements required by plants were discovered using solution culture techniques. This paper discusses the past history of solution culture as well as its importance and use today.
Measuring pain in adolescents.

Pain is one of the more common complaints of adolescents, but research on adolescent pain lags behind that of pain in adults. Research has increased during the past decade, calling attention to the need for improved measurement of adolescent pain. Although children become more able to accurately report pain as they develop, measuring pain in adolescents can be complex. With the cognitive and psychological development that occurs throughout adolescence, pain becomes a multifaceted experience, not merely a sensory experience. In addition, the nature of the pain (e.g., acute, chronic, or complex) can influence the experience. Accurate measurement of pain is important not only for understanding illness phenomena but also for evaluating the effects of interventions. Therefore, using developmentally appropriate, reliable, and valid pain measures with adolescents is critical. Numerous pain measures are available; determining which measure is most suitable for adolescents in research can be challenging. Better understanding of pain measurement may lead to increased reliability in the measurement of adolescent pain in research studies. Untreated pain has detrimental effects on major body systems because of the activation of the stress response (Rothley & Therrien, 1999). The stress response causes cardiovascular changes such as tachycardia and hypertension. Stress on the gastrointestinal system can cause decreased peristalsis, resulting in constipation. In addition, early diagnosis and treatment is extremely important with respect to outcomes in certain pain conditions. For example, in cases of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) type 1, early intervention, specifically physiotherapy, leads to better prognoses (Eccleston, Connell, & Carmichael, 2006). Chronic pain is not just a problem of adults; up to 25% of children have chronic pain (Perquin et al., 2000), with it peaking at ages 12 to 15 years (Goodman & McGrath, 1991). Disability associated with chronic pain, particularly untreated chronic pain, is not as clearly defined as with acute pain, nor is the degree of suffering associated with it. However, children with chronic pain have exhibited lower pain thresholds; in other words, they do not get ‘‘used to’’ the pain (Walco, Dampier, Hartstein, Djordjevic, & Miller, 1990). Thus, it is important to carefully consider how pain should be measured when conducting research involving adolescents. Although pain is multidimensional, the dimension that is frequently measured is pain intensity. Other sensory dimensions (e.g., quality, location, and temporal aspects) should be measured, as should affective dimensions of pain (e.g., impact on physical and psychosocial function). The impact of pain on functioning often
24β-ethylsterols, n-alkanes and n-alkanols of Clerodendrum splendens

Abstract The sterols of Clerodendrum splendens , an angiosperm belonging to the family Verbenaceae, were found to possess a 24β-ethyl group. No other sterols were detected. The major sterol was 24β-ethylcholesta-5,22 E ,25(27)-trien-3β-ol [also known as 25(27)-dehydroporiferasterol]. A very small amount of what may have been its 22-dihydroderivative, clerosterol [also known as 25(27)-dehydroclionasterol] was also found. The dominant n -alkane was C 29 ( n -nonacosane) and the dominant n -alkanol was C 28 ( n -octacosanol).
Relationship between opioid-receptor occupancy and stimulation of low-Km GTPase in brain membranes

Treatment of rat brain membranes with the irreversible opioid ligand cis-3-methylfentanylisothiocyanate (Superfit) was used to reduce gradually the number of available binding sites for the delta-selective agonist [3H][D-Ser2,Leu5]enkephalin-Thr6 ([ 3H]DSLET). Subsequently, the correlation between ligand binding and low-Km GTPase was investigated. Alkylation with 10 microM and 25 microM Superfit inactivated 66% and 71% of high-affinity (KD, 1 nM) binding sites without decreasing the affinity of the remaining sites and the stimulation of low-Km GTPase by DSLET. Following exposure of the membranes to 50 microM and 75 microM Superfit, ligand binding was confined to the low-affinity (KD, 20 nM) sites. In these membranes, the delta-agonists DSLET and [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin still stimulated low-Km GTPase, and these effects were blocked by ICI 174864 (N,N-diallyl-Tyr-AIB-AIB-Phe-Leu-OH; AIB, alpha-aminoisobutyric acid), a delta-selective antagonist. A similar relationship between low-affinity ligand binding and GTPase stimulation was observed following alkylation of the delta-opioid receptor with the non-selective irreversible antagonist beta-chlornaltrexamine in the presence of protective concentrations of DSLET. The results reveal spare receptor sites in the coupling of the delta-opioid receptor to low-Km GTPase in brain and identify low-affinity ligand binding as a functional component in the process.
Effect of composition and heat treatment on MnBi magnetic materials

Abstract The metallic compound MnBi is a promising rare-earth-free permanent magnet material, unique among all candidates for its high intrinsic coercivity (Hci) and its large positive temperature coefficient. The Hci of MnBi in thin-film or powder form can exceed 12 and 26 kOe at 300 and 523 K, respectively. Such a steep rise in Hci with increasing temperature is unique to MnBi. Consequently, MnBi is a highly sought-after hard phase for exchange coupling nanocomposite magnets. However, the reaction between Mn and Bi is peritectic, and hence Mn tends to precipitate out of the MnBi liquid during the solidification process. As result, when the alloy is prepared using conventional induction or arc-melting casting methods, additional Mn is required to compensate the precipitation of Mn. In addition to composition, post-casting annealing plays an important role in obtaining a high content of MnBi low-temperature phase (LTP) because the annealing encourages the Mn precipitates and the unreacted Bi to react, forming the desired LTP phase. Here we report a systematic study of the effect of composition and heat treatments on the phase content and magnetic properties of Mn–Bi alloys. In this study, 14 compositions were prepared using conventional metallurgical methods, and the compositions, crystal structures, phase content and magnetic properties of the resulting alloys were analyzed. The results show that the composition with 55 at.% Mn exhibits both the highest LTP content (93 wt.%) and magnetization (74 emu g−1 with 9 T applied field at 300 K).
An Action Spectrum for Light Induced Sporulation in the Fungus Ascochyta pisi.

Though light induced reproduction, both sexual and asexual, is common to many fungi (15), the mechanism of ,this phenomenon is not understood. Suggestions have been made on the possible nature of a photoreceptor pigment involved (5) but there has been little experimental evidence to support or refute these views. Recent studies with Ascochyta pisi, Lib. (9), Pleospora herbarum (Pers.) Rabenh. (11) and Alternaria chrysanthemi Schmidt (12) have lead to the postulation that photo-induced asexual reproduction in a number of fungi involves the same chemical mechanism, and that radiant energy is captured by a receptor pigment which absorbs ultraviolet radiation most effectively (12). The objective of this present study was to determine the action spectrum for light induced sporulation of Ascochyta pisi in the hope that this might provide clues to the nature of the photoreceptor pigment involved. There are no reports of action spectra for light induced sporulation in fungi belonging to the Ascomycetes, the Basidiomycetes, or the Deuteromycetes. Page (16) determined the action spectrum for trophocyst formation in the Phycomycete Pilobolus and reported that the effective wavelengths are from 380 to 510 mu. He believes that light absorption by a flavin probably initiates the formation of trophocysts. Wavelengths from 380 to 510 mJu have been ineffective in stimulating sporulation in the Ascomycetes and Deuteromycetes studied intensively in this laboratory (9,11,12). Aragaki (2) and Lukens (14) have published action spectra for photo-inhibition of sporulation in species of Alternarsa.
The pastorate and New Age healing

Many healing techniques are emerging among New Age groups: meditation, visualization, laying on of hands, acupressure, herbalism, reflexology, Rolfing, diet control and vitamin therapy, chiropractic, psychic and spiritual healing, electro-magnetic healing, and the use of sound, light, and color. These techniques are discussed for the modern pastor's information. Further, two questions are raised: need these practices pose a religious or theological conflict, and what attitude might he take toward these practices?
Phosphorescence and energy transfer in enzymes

Abstract 1. 1. Excitation difference spectra techniques have been utilized to study energy transfer in enzymes. Definite evidence for tyrosine to tryptophan energy transfer is found in alcohol:NAD oxidoreductase (EC 1.1.1.1) and α-1,4-glucan-4-glucano-hydrolase ( Bacillus subtilus ) (EC 3.2.1.1), but not in α-chymotrypsin (EC 3.4.4.5), papain (EC 3.4.4.10), α-1,4-glucan-4-glucanohydrolase ( Aspergillus oryzae ) (EC 3.2.1.1), pepsin (EC 3.4.4.1), and carboxypeptidase A (EC 3.4.2.1). 2. 2. The phosphorescence excitation spectra provide direct experimental evidence that the enzyme emission in the region from 350 to 390 nm in due to tyrosine residues. Futhermore, these data suggest that the emitting tyrosine residues in the enzymes appear to be in an aqueous-like environment and therefore presumbly exposed to the solvent. 3. 3. Phosphorescence excitation difference spectra indicate that those tyrosine residues which are responsible for transferring energy to tryptophan residues are probably in a non-aqueous environment. 4. 4. Neither the relative tyrosine/tryptophan phosphrescence yields, nor the absolute yields in the enzymes could be simply correlated with the properties of the free amino acids.
THERMO PLASTICITY THEORY FOR BIDIRECTIONALLY FUNCTIONALLY GRADED MATERIALS

A recently developed higher order theory for the thermoelastic response of composite materials with microstructures characterized by arbitrarily nonuniform reinforcement spacing in two directions (i.e., bidirectionalfy functionally graded materials) is further extended to accommodate the effect of an inelastic response of the constituent phases. This theory circumvents the problematic use of the standard micromechanical approach, based on the concept of a representative volume element, commonly employed in the analysis of functionally graded composites by explicitly coupling the local (microstructural) and global (macrostructural) responses. The theoretical framework is based on volumetric averaging of the various field quantities together with the imposition of boundary and interfacial conditions in an average sense between the subvolumes used to characterize the composite's functionally graded microstructure. Examples are presented that illustrate how the presence of plasticity and microstructure affect...
Angiographic pattern of restenosis following implantation of overlapping sirolimus-eluting (Cypher) stents.

Sirolimus-eluting stents (Cypher) have been shown to reduce the frequency of neointimal hyperplasia and restenosis compared with bare metal stents. However, the clinical implication of overlapping stents with regard to the pattern of restenosis is unclear. All patients who underwent angiography at our institution from May 2003 to March 2005 who had previously received 2 overlapping Cypher stents in native coronary lesions and had binary restenosis were included in our study. Quantitative coronary analysis was performed to determine the degree and location of the restenotic lesion with respect to the overlapping stented segment. The primary end point was to determine how often restenotic lesions occurred at the overlapped segment versus the nonoverlapped stented segments. During the study, 11 patients fit the inclusion criteria for our study; 91% were men and 55% had diabetes mellitus. The mean total stent length was 33.7 ± 8.2 mm. The mean length of the overlapped segment was 5.9 ± 3.8 mm, equating to 19 ± 16% of the total stented area. The average time to follow-up angiography was 277 ± 126 days. All 11 lesions exhibited type 1 (focal) restenosis. Of these 11 lesions, 10 had focal restenosis at the overlapped segment (p = 0.01, binomial test). The single case involving in-stent restenosis in the nonoverlapped segment occurred at the proximal stent edge. In conclusion, the pattern of restenosis observed in our study suggests a higher relative incidence of binary restenosis in the overlapped stented segment in patients who receive 2 overlapping Cypher stents.
Comparison of dynamic and static interfacial tension at aqueous/perfluorocarbon interfaces

Abstract The dynamic and static interfacial tension of four different perfluorocarbons at aqueous interfaces were compared using a PTFE Wilhelmy plate method and a platinum du Nouy ring method, respectively. The dynamic values were measured continuously for at least 6 h without disturbing the interfaces, and the static values were measured after 20 min of aging. The perfluorocarbons investigated were 1,2- trans -(bisperfluorobutyl) ethylene (F44E), perfluorodecalin, perfluoroheptane, and I- H -perfluoroheptane. “Surface slip” due to the high affinity of platinum for the aqueous phase caused premature breakage of the interface during the du Nouy ring measurements, and consequently the static values were lower than the dynamic values. The PTFE Wilhelmy plate method proved an excellent technique for studying systems in which the interfacial tension changed as a function of the age of the interface, such as the perfluorocarbon/PTFE/double-distilled and deionized water interface. The dynamic interfacial tension of perfluoroheptane and 1- H -perfluoroheptane increased slightly with time, whereas that of F44E and perfluorodecalin decreased with time. The dynamic interfacial tension profiles appeared to be a function of both the molecular weights and structures of the perfluorocarbons.
Herstellung und Reaktionen von Phosphonig‐ und Phosphinigsäureestern

Phosphonigsaureester lassen sich durch partielle Substitution von Phosphorigsaure-dialkylester-chloriden oder von Trialkylphosphiten mittels Grignard-Verbindungen herstellen. Analog lassen sich Phosphinigsaureester aus Phosphorigsaure-alkyl(oder -aryl)-ester-dichloriden und 2 Moll. RMgCl gewinnen. Neben bereits bekannten Reaktionen dieser beiden Verbindungsklassen wird ihre glatte Verseifbarkeit zu Phosphonigsaurehalbestern bzw. zu sekundaren Phosphinoxyden, ihre Reaktion mit PCl3 zu Mono- und Dichlorphosphinen und ihre Reduktion zu primaren und sekundaren Phosphinen beschrieben.
Parallel algorithms for chip placement by simulated annealing

We explore modifications to the standard simulated annealing method for circuit placement which make it more suitable for use on a shared-memory parallel computer. By employing chaotic approaches we allow the parallel algorithms to deviate from the algorithm defined for a serial computer and thus obtain good execution efficiencies for large numbers of processors. The qualitative behavior of the parallel algorithms is comparable to that of the serial algorithm.
Design of Stable Concave Slopes for Reduced Sediment Delivery

Abstract Constructed slopes are traditionally given a planar form. However, natural slopes are more likely to be concave in cross section. In addition, laboratory and computational studies have demonstrated that concave slopes yield less sediment than planar slopes. With current autoguided construction equipment, it is now possible to construct slopes with concave profiles and a more natural appearance, yet a simple method to describe such concave slopes for a given level of mechanical stability does not exist. This article begins with an examination of concave shapes satisfying a desired degree of stability and compares results with those from the FEM and limit-equilibrium method of analysis. An erosion model is used to demonstrate that the concave slopes proposed here yield 15–40% less sediment than planar slopes with the same factor of safety. Finally, a sensitivity analysis suggests that reasonable construction deviations do not compromise the stability of typical concave slopes.
Atomic refinement using orientational restraints from solid-state NMR.

Abstract Wedescribe a procedure for using orientational restraints from solid-state NMR in the atomic refinement of molecular structures. Minimization of an energy function can be performed through either (or both) least-squares minimization or molecular dynamics employing simulated annealing. The energy, or penalty, function consists of terms penalizing deviation from “ideal” parameters such as covalent bond lengths and terms penalizing deviation from orientational data. Thus, the refinement strives to produce a good fit to orientational data while maintaining good stereochemistry. The software is in the form of a module for the popular refinement package CNS and is several orders of magnitude faster than previous software for refinement with orientational data. The short computer time required for refinement removes one of the difficulties in protein structure determination with solid-state NMR.
Temperature Dependence of Molecular Orientation on the Surfaces of Semifluorinated Polymer Thin Films

Near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure is used to investigate the temperature dependence of molecular orientation of semifluorinated liquid crystalline (SF-LC) mesogens, which are attached to the modified isoprene backbone of (1) a poly(1,2-isoprene) homopolymer and (2) a diblock copolymer consisting of polystyrene and poly(1,2-isoprene) blocks. These experiments reveal the existence of two temperature regions in which the surface orientation of the SF-LC mesogens changes abruptly, but even 30 K above the highest such temperature region the surface orientation does not become isotropic. The lower temperature surface transition for both homopolymer and block copolymer occurs close to the temperature of the bulk homopolymer smectic-B to smectic-A transition and well above the bulk smectic-B to smectic-A transition in the block copolymer. It seems to be controlled exclusively by the ordering phenomena originating from the surface. In contrast, the change in the surface organization of the SF-LC mesogens at higher temperatures can be associated with bulk LC transition from the smectic-A to the isotropic phase.
Regional analyses of the reversal process in the neonatal galactose cataract.

Abstract Reversal of the galactose cataract in neonatal rat lenses involves a decrease in lenticular galactitol, a recovery of existing fiber contour and interdigitation, and a production of new fibers. The onset of neonatal cataractogenesis appeared at 7 days when the young were nursed by mothers placed on a 50% galactose diet at the time of delivery. On the 7th day, the mothers were returned to a normal diet and reversal of the neonatal cataract was monitored for the remainder of the nursing period. After 5 days on a normal diet, cataract reversal was incomplete; this is evidenced by an abnormal fiber contour with decreased number of interdigitating processes, the presence of galactitol and decreased lens size. Fiber alterations were most pronounced in the anterior superficial cortex (0–200 μm from the capsule). As the reversal period progressed for an additional 8 days, lenticular galactitol declined and normalization of anterior superficial and supranuclear cortical fibers occurred. Growth of the normal and reversal lenses was compared by determining the number of fiber lamellae produced per day. As new fibers were formed, by the anterior lens epithelium, the radius of the lenses increased with time; the increase in lens radius and the average fiber width were measured for the juvenile lenses (12–63 days) and the reversal lenses (12–20 days). The number of fiber lamellae produced during each growth period was calculated. Normal lens growth was a consistent 1 fiber lamella/day. During the reversal period, lens growth was increased with respect to normal; the source of the rapid generation of new fibers may be the differentiation of equatorial, multilayered epithelial cells which were induced by the galactose feeding.
Novel DNA binding properties of the Mcm10 protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The Mcm10 protein is essential for chromosomal DNA replication in eukaryotic cells. We purified the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mcm10 (ScMcm10) and characterized its DNA binding properties. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and surface plasmon resonance analysis showed that ScMcm10 binds stably to both double strand (ds) DNA and single strand (ss) DNA. On short DNA templates of 25 or 50 bp, surface plasmon resonance analysis showed a ∼1:1 stoichiometry of ScMcm10 to dsDNA. On longer dsDNA templates, however, multiple copies of ScMcm10 cooperated in the rapid assembly of a large, stable nucleoprotein complex. The amount of protein bound was directly proportional to the length of the DNA, with an average occupancy spacing of 21–24 bp. This tight spacing is consistent with a nucleoprotein structure in which ScMcm10 is aligned along the helical axis of the dsDNA. In contrast, the stoichiometry of ScMcm10 bound to ssDNA of 20–50 nucleotides was ∼3:1 suggesting that interaction with ssDNA induces the assembly of a multisubunit ScMcm10 complex composed of at least three subunits. The tight packing of ScMcm10 on dsDNA and the assembly of a multisubunit complex on ssDNA suggests that, in addition to protein-DNA, protein-protein interactions may be involved in forming the nucleoprotein complex. We propose that these DNA binding properties have an important role in (i) initiation of DNA replication and (ii) formation and maintenance of a stable replication fork during the elongation phase of chromosomal DNA replication.
Carbon nanotube induced polymer crystallization: The formation of nanohybrid shish–kebabs

Abstract Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted tremendous attention in recent years because of their superb optical, electronic and mechanical properties. In this article, we aim to discuss CNT-induced polymer crystallization with the focus on the newly discovered nanohybrid shish–kebab (NHSK) structure, wherein the CNT serves as the shish and polymer crystals are the kebabs. Polyethylene (PE) and Nylon 6,6 were successfully decorated on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), and vapor grown carbon nanofibers (CNFs). The formation mechanism was attributed to “size-dependent soft epitaxy”. Polymer CNT nanocomposites (PCNs) containing PE, Nylon 6,6 were prepared using a solution blending technique. Both pristine CNTs and NHSKs were used as the precursors for the PCN preparation. The impact of CNTs on the polymer crystallization behavior will be discussed. Furthermore, four different polymers were decorated on CNTs using the physical vapor deposition method, forming a two-dimensional NHSK structure. These NHSKs represent a new type of nanoscale architecture. A variety of possible applications will be discussed.
Compliance after switching from branded to generic statins

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of switching from branded to generic statins on medication compliance. Methods In this historic cohort study, we identified patients taking branded statins between January 2003 and December 2012 from Sutter Health's electronic health records in Northern California. Patients with ≥2 consecutive pharmacy claims for generic statins after initiating branded statins were classified as switchers. Switchers and non-switchers were matched 1:1 on the propensity for switching. Medication possession ratio (MPR) was calculated as the sum of days supply of therapy divided by treatment duration. We assessed between-group differences in compliance (MPR ≥ 0.80) by logistic regression. Results Among 16,364 patients meeting eligibility criteria, 8470 were retained in the matched cohort. No significant differences in compliance with statin therapy were observed for non-switchers versus switchers, overall, or versus patients switched from a branded to generic statin of the same agent (generic substitutions). Patients switched from a branded to generic statin of a different agent (therapeutic substitutions) more frequently received less potent statin dosing relative to those with generic substitutions (42.2% vs. <2%, respectively) and were significantly less compliant with statin therapy in the first 6 months after switching (73.9% vs. 77.6%; p = 0.011); however, compliance significantly improved among patients with therapeutic substitutions relative to generic substitutions more than 12 months after switching (66.2% vs. 61.3%; p = 0.021). Conclusions Compliance with statin therapy was largely similar among patients who switch to generic statins and those remaining on branded statins. Dosing should be reviewed when changing therapy to optimize clinical outcomes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental thermal–hydraulic evaluation of CuO nanofluids in microchannels at various concentrations with and without suspension enhancers

Abstract This experimental study focuses on the effect of two important factors on the heat transfer and flow properties of copper oxide (CuO)/water nanofluids in a parallel microchannel flow configuration. The first factor considered is the solid media (CuO) concentration. In this investigation, concentration values of 0.005%, 0.01%, and 0.1% by volume were tested. The second factor is the use of a surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), as a suspension enhancer. All together, these two factors led to a total of six types of nanofluids, which were tested in addition to pure water, the reference fluid. The experimental setup allowed for the determination of the hydrodynamic and thermal performance of each nanofluid. In addition, a selection of the nanofluids were characterized by the use of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) techniques. The DLS transient settling measurements showed that for a nanofluid with a concentration of 0.1% by volume, the nanoparticle dispersion and suspension is negatively affected unless a surfactant is used. Hydrodynamic losses, which were evaluated by comparing the effect of the imposed pressure drop on the mass flow rate, were not meaningfully affected by the composition of the nanofluids tested. The measurements also showed that nanofluids containing a surfactant generally provided a modest increase in heat transfer rate when compared with tests performed using pure water. The largest increase was about 17% for a fluid with a concentration of 0.01% by volume. Consequently, the gains in heat transfer do not appear to be accompanied by a significant pumping power penalty. The results of this study suggest that the use of a surfactant is essential in maintaining a proper suspension of nanoparticles in the fluid, especially at higher concentrations.
The Psychosocial Impact of Acne: Patients' Perceptions

There is no single disease which causes more psychic trauma, more maladjustment between parent and children, more general insecurity and feelings of inferiority and greater sums of psychic suffering than does acne vulgaris
Acute changes in hamstring flexibility: PNF versus static stretch in senior athletes

Abstract Few studies have reported on the amount of acute changes in flexibility of the hamstrings resulting from stretching prior to activity, and no studies of this nature have focused on an elderly population. Methods: Ninety-seven subjects (mean age=65 years, range 55–79 years) participating in the World Senior Games were randomly selected for participation in this study. Subjects were randomly assigned to either a control group (no stretching), or one of two treatment groups (contract-relax proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretch [CRPNF], or a static stretch). Hamstring flexibility was measured with a Penny and Giles goniometer prior to and after one repetition of stretching lasting 32 seconds. Analysis: Differences in flexibility scores from pretest to posttest for control and two treatment groups were assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test. Pair-wise comparisons in median differences between groups were assessed using rank analysis of covariance and the Mantel-Haenszel statistic. Results: Flexibility scores for participants in each of the control and treatment groups significantly increased from pretest to posttest. However, the increase was much greater for those in the two treatment groups, with median differences of 1 degree in the control group, 5 degrees in the CRPNF group, and 4 degrees in the static group. Both gender and age influenced the median difference between CRPNF and static groups. Specifically, the median difference was significantly greater in the CRPNF versus the static group for men but not women. Similarly, the median difference was significantly greater in the CRPNF versus the static group for participants younger than age 65 but not aged 65 years or older. Conclusion: One repetition (32 seconds) of stretching provides an acute increase in flexibility of the hamstrings. CRPNF and static stretches significantly improve flexibility. For men and participants less than 65 years of age, CRPNF stretch appears more beneficial than static stretch. The benefits in flexibility between CRPNF and static stretches are similar for women and participant ages 65 years and older.
Effect of the time to intervention on the outcome of thrombosed dialysis access grafts managed percutaneously

PURPOSE We aimed to investigate the effect of the time interval from the clinical presentation of a thrombosed dialysis access graft to intervention on procedure success. MATERIALS AND METHODS Records from two academic institutions for patients who underwent percutaneous thrombectomy of occluded surgical hemodialysis graft access sites in interventional radiology from 2006 to 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. The following data were recorded: gender, age, time and date of the initial request for a thrombectomy and the procedure, age of the surgical access, angiographic outcome, and clinical outcome (successful or unsuccessful postinterventional dialysis). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate whether the time to intervention significantly affected the study endpoint. RESULTS In total, 268 percutaneous thrombectomies were performed in 139 patients. Of these 224 (83.5%) were categorized as successful and 44 (16.4%) as unsuccessful. The time to intervention was 19.9±30.1 vs. 22±35 hours for successful and unsuccessful procedures, respectively. The difference between the two was not significant, and there were also no significant differences in covariate distributions between successful and unsuccessful outcomes. CONCLUSION During the first 72 hours following clinical presentation of a thrombosed dialysis access graft, time to intervention may be considered independent of procedure outcome.
High frequency conductor and dielectric losses in shielded microstrip

An integral equation method is developed for calculating the dispersion of imperfectly conducting microstrip lines. Both dielectric losses in the substrate and conductor losses in the strips and ground plane are considered. Multiple conductors on several layers can be studied using an impedance boundary formulation for the derivation of the Green's function. The microstrip losses are evaluated by using a frequency-dependent surface impedance which is derived by solving the fields in the conductors. This surface impedance replaces the conducting strip and takes into account the thickness and skin effect of the strip at high frequencies. Phase constant and attenuation for single and coupled strips are presented. Good agreement with data available in the literature is shown. >
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: Using an Episode-Based Payment Model to Improve Oncology Care

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have designed an episode-based model of oncology care that incorporates elements from several successful model tests. It is hoped that this model will demonstrate how oncology care in the United States can be transformed into a high-value, high-quality system.
Dynamics of atomic force microscopes: experiments and simulations

This paper focuses on how AFM in-contact dynamics change with amplitude of disturbance, i.e. sample surface topography, and force set-point. The models presented by El Rifai et al. (2000, 2001) were used to compare simulations to experimental results. The models were able to reproduce experimental behavior observed in frequency response data and AFM images. Three main effects were observed, namely, changes in the DC gain, in modal damping, and in the pole-zero pattern. The results were analyzed and explanations were provided. These large changes in the dynamics of the AFM impose a challenge on its feedback system. It requires a controller that provides robust performance to ensure high fidelity of data and reduce image artifacts. Consequently, the selection of scan parameters should be tied-in to controller parameters to achieve potentially higher levels of performance.
Single fractures under normal stress: The relation between fracture specific stiffness and fluid flow

Abstract Fracture specific stiffness and fluid flow through a single fracture under normal stress are implicitly related through the geometry of the void space and contact area that comprise the fracture. Data from thirteen different rock samples, each containing a single fracture, show that relationships between fracture specific stiffness and fluid flow through a fracture fall into two general classes of behavior. Fractures either fall on a loosely-defined universal curve relating fluid flow to fracture specific stiffness, or else the flow is weakly dependent on fracture specific stiffness. The second relationship shows that flow decreases slowly with increasing fracture specific stiffness. The first relationship shows that flow decreases rapidly for increases in fracture specific stiffness. To understand this behavior, computer simulations on simulated single fractures were performed to calculate fluid flow, fracture displacement, and fracture specific stiffness as a function of normal stress. Simulated fractures with spatially correlated and uncorrelated aperture distributions were studied. Fractures with spatially uncorrelated aperture distributions tend to exhibit a weak dependence of fluid flow on fracture specific stiffness because these fractures tend to have multiple connected paths across the sample which can support flow with uniformly distributed contact area. Thus an increment in stress will increase the stiffness of the fracture without greatly reducing the amount of fluid flow. On the other hand, fractures with spatially correlated aperture distributions tend to belong to the universal relationship because correlated fractures tend to have only one or two dominant flow paths and the contact area is limited to a few regions resulting in a compliant fracture. Thus an increment in stress on a spatially correlated fracture will result in an increase in stiffness and rapid decrease in fluid flow. These spatial correlations in fracture void geometry can be differentiated in the laboratory based on the observed fracture specific stiffness–fluid flow relationship for a single fracture under normal loading.