R Factor Research Articles

Deranged Liver Biochemistry in a Non-Liver Intensive Care Unit: A Prospective Study

Introduction: Common indications for admission to a liver intensive care unit (LICU) are often due to complications of an underlying chronic liver disease or to an acute insult to the liver either by bacterial or viral infections, alcohol or drugs. Secondary or acquired liver injury occurs in patients with systemic disease in patients who are admitted to a non-LICU setting. These patients are often hemodynamically unstable with multiorgan failure. The aim of the study was to understand the pattern of liver injury in patients admitted to a non-LICU for issues unrelated directly to the liver. Materials and Methods: Patients admitted to medical, neuro and cardiac ICU of the institution were included. All patients had liver biochemistry at admission. R factor (RF) criteria (alanine aminotransferase: S. Alkaline phosphatase ratio) was used for stratifying the liver injury as hepatocellular (HC) (RF-HC; ≥5), cholestatic (RF-C; ≤2) and mixed type (RF-HC+C; 2–5). Patients were followed up in the ICU until discharge. Statistical Analysis: SPSS v26 (IBM Corp.) was used for analysis. Chi-square test was done for categorical variables and Fisher’s exact test, when the expected frequency in the contingency table was <5 in more than 25% of the cells. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: 108 (43.9%) of 246 admissions had liver injury (43.9%). The elevation in liver enzymes were <2 times the upper limit of normal range. There were no significant differences in enzyme elevations in the 3 ICUs. The most common type of liver injury was RF-C (67; 62%) followed by RF-HC+C (34; 31.5%) and RF-HC (7; 6.48%). There was no difference in the disease specific liver injury. Patients with RF-C needed significantly more inotrope support (P = 0.001); 76% survived (P = 0.023). Those with RF-HC required hemodialysis (P = 0.001) with poor survival outcome (42.9%). Conclusions: Liver enzymes are not significantly elevated in non-LICU patients. RF criteria is useful in not only predicting the type of liver injury but also predicting the likely outcome.

Shake table testing of confined adobe masonry structures

Buildings made using the locally available clay materials are amongst the least expensive forms of construction in many developing countries, and therefore, widely popular in remote areas. It is despite the fact that these low-strength masonry structures are vulnerable to seismic forces. Since transporting imported materials like cement and steel in areas inaccessible by motorable roads is challenging and financially unviable. This paper presents, and experimentally investigates, adobe masonry structures that utilize the abundantly available local clay materials with moderate use of imported materials like cement, aggregates, and steel. Shake-table tests were performed on two 1:3 reduce-scaled adobe masonry models for experimental seismic testing and verification. The model AM1 was confined with vertical lightly reinforced concrete columns provided at all corners and reinforced concrete horizontal bands (i.e., tie beams) provided at sill, lintel, and eave levels. The model AM2 was confined only with the horizontal bands provided at sill, lintel, and eave levels. The models were subjected to sinusoidal base motions for studying the damage evolution and response of the model under dynamic lateral loading. The lateral force-deformation capacity curves for both models were developed and bi-linearized to compute the seismic response parameters: stiffness, strength, ductility, and response modification factor R. Seismic performance levels, story-drift, base shear coefficient, and the expected structural damages, were defined for both the models. Seismic performance assessment of the selected models was carried out using the lateral seismic force procedure to evaluate their safety in different seismic zones. The use of vertical columns in AM1 has shown a considerable increase in the lateral strength of the model in comparison to AM2. Although an R factor equal to 2.0 is recommended for both the models, AM1 has exhibited better seismic performance in all seismic zones due to its relatively high lateral strength in comparison to AM2.

Evaluation of seismic reliability and multi level response reduction factor (R factor) for eccentric braced frames with vertical links

Using vertical links in eccentric braced frames is one of the best passive structural control approaches due to its effectiveness and practicality advantages. However, in spite of the subject importance there are limited studies which evaluate the seismic reliability and response reduction factor (R-factor) in this system. Therefore, the present study has been conducted to improve the current understanding about failure mechanism in the structural systems equipped with vertical links. For this purpose, following definition of demand and capacity response reduction factors, these parameters are computed for three different buildings (4, 8 and 12 stories) equipped with this system. In this regards, pushover and incremental dynamic analysis have been employed, and seismic reliability as well as multi-level response reduction factor according to the seismic demand and capacity of the frames have been derived. Based on the results, this system demonstrates high ductility and seismic energy dissipation capacity, and using the response reduction factor as high as 8 also provides acceptable reliability for the frame in the moderate and high earthquake intensities. This system can be used in original buildings as lateral load resisting system in addition to seismic rehabilitation of the existing buildings.

Antimutagenic activity of major fractions of Zataria multiflora Boiss by Ames method

Zataria multiflora is a medicinal plant that has been interested in antimutagenicity effect because of its high antioxidant activity and richness of flavonoids. Antimutagenicity effect of total extract of the plant has been reported previously. Aerial parts of Z. multiflora were extracted by petroleum ether, chloroform and 80% methanol by liquid‐liquid extraction method consequently. The fractions were concentrated in vacuum and dried at 40°C in oven. The genotype of two standard strains of Salmonella typhimurium (TA98, TA100) was confirmed by the evaluation of two important factors of histidine requirement and the presence of R factor. The minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of the fractions against these two strains was determined by agar dilution method. From each fraction, various concentrations less than MIC were studied for anti‐mutagenic test. The sample along with bacterial strain and mutagen agent were incubated at 37°C for 48 h. The number of revertant colonies was counted and compared with control plates. Our results showed that all fractions especially petroleum ether and chloroform ones maintain the number of colonies in the standard range in control plates and prevent from the growth of many strains of bacteria and increase of revertant colonies enhancement in a concentration‐dependent manner. This effect was prominent against TA100 starin. Methanolic fraction exhibited anti‐mutagen activity just in the highest used concentration in the presence of TA98. Key words: Ames test, anti‐mutagenicity, fraction, phenylpropanoids, Salmonella typhimurium, Zataria multiflora

공기압 구동식 6 DOF 드라이빙 시뮬레이터의 개발

본 연구의 목적은 실감나는 운전 환경을 제공하는 공기압 구동식 드라이빙 시뮬레이터 개발에 있다. 드라이빙 시뮬레이터의 모션 플랫폼은 운전자에게 실제 차량의 사실적인 느낌을 주는 메카트로닉스 장비이다. 모션 플랫폼의 비용은 드라이빙 시뮬레이터를 개발하는데 가장 큰 부분을 차지한다. 저비용으로 모션 플랫폼을 개발하기 위하여 6개의 공압 실린더로 구성된 스튜어트 플랫폼 형태를 기반으로 모션 플랫폼을 자체 제작하였다. 스튜어트 플랫폼은 조이스틱의 작동신호에 대한 응답으로 만족할 만한 추종성능을 보여주었다. 상용의 레이싱 게임 소프트웨어 중의 하나인 rFactor를 이용하여 드라이빙 시뮬레이터의 가능성을 확인하였다. 【A pneumatically-driven driving simulator that provides a realistic representation of the driving environment was developed. The motion platform for the driving simulator is a mechatronic device that gives a driver the realistic feeling of an actual vehicle. The cost of the motion platform comprises the largest part of the expenses in developing a driving simulator. In this project, to develop a low-cost motion platform, the self-built motion platform based on the Stewart platform configuration that is constructed by six pneumatic cylinders was used as its actuator. The Stewart platform that moves in response to the operating signals of the joystick showed satisfactory tracking performance. We confirmed the possibility of the driving simulator using rFactor that is a commercially available racing game software.】

Prioritization of micro watersheds on the basis of soil erosion hazard using remote sensing and geographic information system

Degradation of agricultural land by soil erosion is world wide phenomenon leading to loss of nutrient-rich surface soil, increased run off from more impermeable subsoil and decreased water availability to plant. Thus estimation of soil loss and identification of critical area for implementation of best management practice is central to success of soil conservation programme. In this study universal soil loss equation (USLE) interactively with raster-based geographic information system (GIS) has been applied to calculate potential soil loss at micro watershed level in the Konar basin of upper Damodar Valley Catchment of India. The main advantage of the GIS methodology is in providing quick information on the estimated value of soil loss for any part of the investigated area. The rainfall erosivity R-factor of USLE was found as 293.96 and the soil erodibility K-factor varies from 0.325 - 0.476. Slopes in the catchment varied between 0 and 83% having LS factor values ranging from 0 - 6.7. The C-factor values were computed from existing cropping patterns in the catchment and support practice P-factors were assigned by studying land slope. Average annual soil erosion at micro watershed level in Konar basin having 961.4 km2 areas was estimated as 1.68 t/ha/yr. Further, micro watershed priorities have been fixed on the basis of soil erosion risk to implement management practices in micro watersheds which will reduce soil erosion in Konar basin. Key words: Remote sensing, soil erosion, geographic information system, universal soil loss equation, priority.

Rapid Loss of Structural Motifs in the Manganese Complex of Oxygenic Photosynthesis by X-ray Irradiation at 10–300 K

Structural changes upon photoreduction caused by x-ray irradiation of the water-oxidizing tetramanganese complex of photosystem II were investigated by x-ray absorption spectroscopy at the manganese K-edge. Photoreduction was directly proportional to the x-ray dose. It was faster in the higher oxidized S2 state than in S1; seemingly the oxidizing potential of the metal site governs the rate. X-ray irradiation of the S1 state at 15 K initially caused single-electron reduction to S0* accompanied by the conversion of one di-mu-oxo bridge between manganese atoms, previously separated by approximately 2.7 A, to a mono-mu-oxo motif. Thereafter, manganese photoreduction was 100 times slower, and the biphasic increase in its rate between 10 and 300 K with a breakpoint at approximately 200 K suggests that protein dynamics is rate-limiting the radical chemistry. For photoreduction at similar x-ray doses as applied in protein crystallography, halfway to the final Mn(II)4 state the complete loss of inter-manganese distances <3 A was observed, even at 10 K, because of the destruction of mu-oxo bridges between manganese ions. These results put into question some structural attributions from recent protein crystallography data on photosystem II. It is proposed to employ controlled x-ray photoreduction in metalloprotein research for: (i) population of distinct reduced states, (ii) estimating the redox potential of buried metal centers, and (iii) research on protein dynamics.

Crystal structural studies of destripeptide (B28-B30) insulin

Single crystals of destripeptide (B28-B30) insulin (DTRI) in three forms were obtained by hanging-drop vapor diffusion method. Form 1 belongs to P21 space group with cell parameters a =4.77 nm b =6.19 nm c =6.12 nm β =110.3o. Form 2 belongs to P4 1 22 or P4 3 22 space group with cell parameters a = 6.45 nm, c =12.07 nm. Form 3 belongs to P2 1 2 1 2 1 space group with cell parameters a =4.98 nm b =5.16 nm c =10.06 nm. The structure of form 1 crystal was determined by molecular replacement method and refined at 0.23 nm resolution. The R-factor of the final model is 18.8% with r.m.s. deviations of 0.001 5 nm and 3.3o for the bond lengths and the bond angles, respectively. Studies on the crystal structure show that the removal of B28 Pro has brought DTRI structural changes which made it dissociate more easily than native insulin although DTRI can still form a hexamer.

Refined Structure of Trichosanthin at 1. 73 A Resolution

An X-ray reflection data set of the orthorhombic crystal of Trichosanthin(TCS) at 1. 73 A resolution had been collected using the area detector. We determined TCS crystal structure by the molecular replacement method using the data of the known α-momorcharin model and TCS intensities , and then TGS structure refinement at 1. 73 A resolution was performed with the restrained least-squares refinement. A final R-factor of 0.186 was obtained with a model obeying standard geometry within 0. 013A in bond lengths and 2. 48° in bond angles. The final model contains 133 solvent molecules in the asymmetric unit. This paper gives a detailed description of TCS molecular structure, temperature factors, hydrogen bonds, bound water, the distribution of conserved residues and the interactions between the TCS molecules. The hydrogen bond between the hydroxyl group of conserved residue 14Tyr and O157 plays an important role in maintaining the active site conformation. Conserved residue 160Glu and its conformation at the active site play a key role in the catalytic activity.

Images the “r factor” in downsizing

Leadership in ActionVolume 14, Issue 4 p. 8-9 Article Images the “r factor” in downsizing Kerry A. Bunker, Kerry A. Bunker Manager of the “Leading Downsized Organizations” program at the Center.Search for more papers by this author Kerry A. Bunker, Kerry A. Bunker Manager of the “Leading Downsized Organizations” program at the Center.Search for more papers by this author First published: 1994 https://doi.org/10.1002/lia.4070140404 AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume14, Issue41994Pages 8-9 RelatedInformation

Validity: Q vs. R

This study deals with political ideology, in the form of Q sorts of 80 self-referent statements provided by more than 50 respondents, the P set being cross-sectional. The resulting data set was split up into three equivalent P samples, each of which was submitted independently to Q factor analysis. Also, it was split up into four equivalent item samples, each of which was submitted independently to R factor analysis. Comparison of Q analysis loadings with R analysis z-scores and of Q analysis z-scores with R analysis loadings shows a limited amount of cross-validity. With respect to (meta-)reliability, the three cases of Q factor analysis are strikingly similar; the fours cases of R factor analysis, however, turn out to be rather dissimilar.

Problems with, and alternatives to, the NMR R factor

Problems with, and alternatives to, the NMR R factor

Toward an NMR R factor

Toward an NMR R factor

STUDIES ON THE CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF Al-(D-TRYPTOPHAN) INSULIN

We have determined the crystal structure of Al-(D-Trp) insulin and discovered that it belongs to the trigonal system with space group R3. The parameters of the unit cell are a=b=78.6, c=50.0. A set of data for half a sphere reciprocal space to a spacing of 2.2 were collected. The model was adjusted and refined by using a step-by-step approach and a stereochemically-restrained least squares program, assisted by manual revision based on the difference Fourier maps, to a final R-factor of 0.218. The main and side chains of both Al-D-Trp residues in the asymmetric unit are well ordered. The packing of Al-(D-Trp) insulin in the unit cell, the conformational differences with other insulin structures and its structure and function relationship bave also been discussed.

Studies on the crystal structure of A1-(L-tryptophan) insulin at 2.1 A resolution.

In order to study the biological effect of alterations to the N-terminus of the insulin A-chain, we have determined the crystal structure of A1-(L-Trp) insulin and discovered that it belongs to the trigonal system with space group R3. The parameters of the unit cell are a = b = 80.3A, c = 37.5A. The model was adjusted and refined by using a stereochemically-restrained least squares program, assisted by manual revision of the model based on the difference Fourier map, to a final R-factor of 0.195. The main and side chains of both A1-(L-Trp) residues in the asymmetric unit are well ordered. It was found that the A1-Trp residue of molecule I occupied two distinct positions. We have proposed from the results of the three-dimensional structure that the 4-zinc insulin hexameric form is a stored state of insulin molecules in a conformation of low activity. The structural details of the insulin molecule and its structure and function relationship have also been discussed.

Molecular structure and absolute configuration of suberogorgin.

In the present paper it is reported that the molecular structure and absolute configuration of poisonous suberogorgin are determined by using X-ray diffraction method. The crystal of suberogorgin belongs to orthogonal system with space group D4(2)-P2(1)2(1)2(1). The crystallographic parameters are: a = 16.135A, b = 13.189A, c = 12.901A, Z = 8. The initial model of the crystal structure was solved by the direct method. The refinement of the structure parameters was carried out by using the least square method and led to a final R-factor of 0.056. In accordance with the molecular structure of suberogorgin mentioned above, the solvent effect of NMR has been further discussed and the relationship between the molecular structure of suberogorgin and its toxicity has also been preliminarily investigated.

RESEARCH ON TRINUCLEAR MOLYBDENUM CLUSTER COMPOUNDS——CRYSTAL AND MOLECULAR STRUCTURE OF (Et_4N)_2[Mo 3 (μ 3 -O)(μ 3 -Cl)(μ 2 -Cl) 3 Cl 6 ]·EtOH

The title crystal belongs to the monoclinic system. The space group is P2_1/c with unit cell parameters: a=11.379(3), b=20.766(2), c=14.487(3), β=91.49(2)°, V=3519(2)~3Z=4, D_c=1.819g.cm~(-3), D_0=1.81g.cm~(-3). The crystal structure was solved by the heavy atom method and difference Fourier synthesis and refined by the full-matrix least-squares to a final R factor of 0.040 based on 3261 unique reflections with intensities I≥3σ(I). The structure consists of two sots of tetraethylammonium cations and trinuclear Me cluster anions. In the cluster anion the three Mo atoms form an isosceles triangle with Mo-Mo distances of 2.601(1), 2.608(1), 2.642(1), respectively, showing a strong bonding interaction between the metal atoms. One μ_3-O atom and one μ_3-Cl atom are situated above and below the triangle respectively, binding the three Me atoms to form a triangular bipyramidal cluster core. Each pair of Mo atoms is bridged further by a μ_2-Cl atom situated on the Mo_3 triangular plane. In addition, each Me atom is coordinated to two terminal C1 atoms to complete a distorted octahedral coordination.

RESEARCH ON TRINUCLEAR MOLYBDENUM CLUSTER COMPOUNDS——CRYSTAL AND MOLECULAR STRUCTURE OF Mo 3 (μ 3 —O)(μ 2 —S 2 ) 3 [S 2 P(OEt) 2 ] 3 I

The title crystals are golden yellow rhomboic plates, belonging to the monoelinic system. The space group is P_(B_1)/n with unit cell parameters a=16.570(2), b=12.370(1), c=20.007(2), β=99.97(1)°, Z=4, D_c=1.938 g.cm~(-3). The crystal structure was solved mainly by the heavy atom method and refined by the full-matrix least-squares to a final R factor of 0.047 based on 4387 unique reflections with intensities I≥2σ(I). The results show that the crystal structure consists of neutral mono-oxo-capped trinuclear molybdenum cluster molecules with an average Mo-Mo bond length of 2.626(4) and an average Mo-O bond length of 2.036(2) respectively. Each pair of Mo atoms is further bridged by an S_2~(2-) radical, in which one S atom is essentially situated on the triangular plane formed by these three Mo atoms and the other one is situated on the side of the plane opposite to the μ_3-O atom. Besides, each Mo atom is coordinated to two S atoms belonging to an [S_2P(OEt)_2]~-radical so as to complete a nearly pentagonal bipyramidal coordination. In addition, on top of the three out-of-plane S atoms one I atom bridges these three S atoms so that a part of the atoms in the cluster entity forms a distorted pseudo-cubic configuration.

STUDIES ON DERIVATIVES OF 2, 3-DIHYDRO-4 H-1, 3, 2-BENZOXAZAPHOSPHORINE——THE DETERMINATION OF THE CRYSTAL AND MOLECULAR STRUCTURE OF 2, 3-DISUBSTITUTED-2, 3-DIHYDRO-4H-1, 3, 2-BENZOXAZAPHOSPHORIN-4-ONE (THION)-2-SULFIDE(OXIDE)

The two crystal structures of C 17 H 17 ,N 2 O 2 Cl 2 PS (NP-8) and C 17 H 19 N 2 O 2 PS (NP-10-Ⅱ) have beendetermined by Patterson method. The crystals belong to monoclinic system with space group of P2 1 /aand P2 1 /n respectively. There are four molecules in the unit cell. Cell parameters: a = 26.622 (7)A, b = 7.711 (2) A., c = 9.461 (3) A, β = 94.90°(4) and a = 18.879(3) A, b = 10.199 (13) A, c = 8.948(3) A, β= 94.30°(3) for the two cells. After refinement by block diagonal matrix least squares me-thod, R factors are 0.046 for 2971 reflections of NP-8 and 0.076 for 1711 reflections of NP-10-Ⅱ. Referring to molecular structures of NP-8 and NP-10-Ⅱ spectra data have been satisfactorilycxplained. The characteristic features of the structures have been discussed.

Mechanisms of R-factor coded resistance. (German)

Mechanisms of R-factor coded resistance. (German)