cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Possible Sources of Tartronate Deficiency in Man

SINCE exogenous tartronate (hydroxymalonate) is probably essential for the nutrition of rats1, it has been suggested2 that prolonged deficiency of available tartronate might result also in metabolic disturbances in man. Tartronate, which is produced only by plants3, has chemical and physiological properties which could result in its becoming deficient in human diets. These properties are : (a) easy decarboxylation in hot, slightly acid solution ; (b) complete solubility in water ; and (c) a relatively rapid rate of excretion. In the present work these sources of loss have been examined.
Experimental constraints on theories of fullerene superconductivity

Abstract For alkali metal fullerene compounds (AFC), the experimental Tc is strongly dependent on pressure. The isotope effect exponential is α=0.30±0.06 (substitution of 13C for 12C). Tc of AFC is also much higher than Tc of graphite intercalation compounds. These experimental results indicate that superconductivity would come from the phonon-modulated interactions between the neighboring C60 cages. The available experimental data may be used to deduce the universal parameters for the superconductivity theory. The theoretical Tc vs. lattice parameter curve appears to be in good agreement with the experimental results.
A bi-directional immune network mechanism: simultaneous induction of idiotype and anti-anti-idiotype in rabbits immunized with antibody to a common idiotypic specificity of anti-VHa2-allotype antibodies.

Abstract Recently, we identified a common idiotypic specificity ( IdC ) present on all of the allo and auto anti-VHa2-allotype antibodies tested. In this report, we immunized allotype-matched rabbits with anti- IdC Ab. When an a 1 a 1 homozygote was immunized with anti- IdC Ab (also from an a 1 a 1 rabbit), two distinct Ab populations were induced which were isolated through the use of immunoadsorbent column chromatography. One of these Ab populations, adsorbed to and eluted from an insolubilized a2 IgG column, was anti-VHa2-allotype Ab (Ab 1), which reacted with a2 Ig and inhibited the reaction between the a2 allotype and anti-VHa2-allotype Ab. The other Ab population, adsorbed to and eluted from an insolubilized immunogen anti- IdC column, was anti-anti- IdC Ab (Ab 3), which was specific for the immunogen anti- IdC Ab. In another experiment, when an a 1 a 1 heterozygous rabbit was immunized with anti- IdC Ab, only the Ab 3 was induced, which appeared to be identical to the Ab 3 induced in the a 1 a 1 rabbit. However, when the expression of the a2 allotype in an a 1 a 2 heterozygous rabbit was suppressed and then this rabbit was immunized with anti- IdC Ab, both Ab 1 and Ab 3 were induced. These data indicate the occurrence of a bi-directional immune response within our immune network system. According to Jerne's network theory, Ab 3 appeared to be induced through a stimulation by the idiotope of the immunogen Ab 2, whereas Ab 1 appeared to be induced through a reverse stimulation by the paratope of the immunogen Ab 2. Furthermore, the production of Ab 1 in these rabbits exhibiting the bi-directional immune response was at least 3–5 times greater than that of Ab 3 production indicating that the response through the reverse stimulation appeared to be dominant. The importance of this bi-directional immune response is discussed in this paper.
FLOW‐DRIVEN VARIATION IN INTERTIDAL COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN A MAINE ESTUARY

Understanding the factors that determine community structure remains one of the most important issues in ecology. In this paper, we examine the role of flow velocities in governing community structure in marine intertidal communities. We broaden the traditional definition of “bottom-up” forces to include the delivery of nutrients, food, and larval resources to habitats and then test the hypothesis that, by controlling these fluxes as well as mediating predator effects, flow velocities leave strong bottom-up signatures on shoreline communities. We examined this hypothesis by quantifying community structure and dynamics at high and low flow sites in a tidal estuary in Maine. High flow sites were characterized by dense barnacle and mussel cover, while low flow sites had considerable bare space. High flow sites also had greater grazer and predator densities than low flow sites. Recruitment of all common shoreline organisms with planktonic larvae was greater at high flow sites, in direct proportion to the increased fluid flux there. Flow effects on the growth of the herbivorous and carnivorous components of the food web were less predictable. High flows increased the growth of barnacles, but not mussels, and increased the growth of the carnivorous gastropods that preyed on them. In contrast, high flows decreased the accumulation of benthic diatoms, but this was unrelated to the growth rates of herbivorous gastropods. High flow sites were universally characterized by low predation intensity and per capita predation rates on all three prey species. Our results show that the strength of top-down and bottom-up forces varies with flow rate in this estuary. Consumer stress (top-down) models accurately explain patterns we saw at low flow sites, but bottom-up processes predicted from nutrient/productivity models dominate at high flow sites. High consumer pressure is the dominant structuring force at low flow sites, whereas at high flow sites predators are inhibited, and individual recruitment and growth rates become the dominant structuring forces. We suggest that hydrodynamics may commonly decouple predation and resource processes in many aquatic systems when the physical process responsible for variation in top-down forces also acts as a strong bottom-up force.
Coordination Polymers of Co(NCS)2 with Pyrazine and 4,4‘-Bipyridine: Syntheses and Structures

Three compounds were obtained from the reactions of Co(NCS)2 with pyrazine and 4,4‘-bipyridine in different solvents: Co(NCS)2(pyz)2 (1) has a 2D sheet structure, monoclinic, C2/m, a = 10.039(2) A, b = 10.382(2) A, c = 7.190(1) A, β = 118.64(1)°, Z = 2; Co(NCS)2(H2O)2(4,4‘-bipy)·4,4‘-bipy (2) has linear Co−bipy−Co chains connected by hydrogen bonds between H2O and noncoordinated 4,4‘-bipy molecules to form stair type sheets, triclinic, P1, a = 7.450(1) A, b = 9.020(1) A, c = 10.122(1) A, α = 107.74(1)°, β = 104.02(1)°, γ = 97.16(1)°, Z = 1; Co(NCS)2(4,4‘-bipy)2·2(CH3CH2)2O (3) has ether molecules intercalated between layers formed by Co(NCS)2 and coordinated 4,4‘-bipyridine ligands, monoclinic, P2/c, a = 11.483(2) A, b = 11.397(3) A, c = 13.609(1) A, β = 107.55(1)°, Z = 2. Compounds 2 and 3 thermally decompose to form the same products. The identities of the decomposition products are discussed.
Relation of Neuroticism and Negative Career Thoughts and Feelings to Lack of Information.

The purpose of this study was to explore correlates of chronic career indecision with multivariate modeling. We examined the effects of neuroticism and negative career thoughts and feelings on lack of information, which is one of the core elements of chronic career indecision. The sample included 310 first-semester students who had entered university study without a declared academic major. The results yielded support for the hypothesized multivariate model. Negative career thoughts and feelings explained a large amount of the variance in lack of information. The influence of neuroticism on lack of information was indirect and fully mediated by negative career thoughts and feelings. These results have significant implications for counseling for chronic career indecision.
Influence of dietary vitamin E on the red cells of ozone-exposed rats

Abstract The effect of dietary vitamin E on the susceptibility of red blood cells to ozone exposure was studied in rats. One- and two-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a basal vitamin E-deficient diet with or without 45 ppm vitamin E for 4 and 3 months, respectively, and were exposed to 0 or 0.8 ppm ozone continuously for 7 days. Ozone exposure resulted in a significant increase in the activities of glutathione (GSH) peroxidase, pyruvate kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase, and a decrease in GSH level in the red cells of vitamin E-deficient rats, but not in those of the supplemented group. The activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase and levels of thiobarbituric acid reactants, methemoglobin, hemoglobin, and reticulocytes were not significantly altered by ozone exposure or by the nutritional status of vitamin E. The results suggest that depletion of dietary vitamin E renders animals more susceptible to ozone exposure.
Overlapping profiles of Aβ peptides in the Alzheimer's disease and pathological aging brains

Introduction A hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the presence of senile plaques composed of aggregated amyloid β (Aβ) peptides. Pathological aging (PA) is a postmortem classification that has been used to describe brains with plaque pathology similar in extent to AD, minimal cortical tau pathology, and no accompanying history of cognitive decline in the brain donor prior to death. PA may represent either a prodromal phase of AD, a benign form of Aβ accumulation, or inherent individual resistance to the toxic effects of Aβ accumulation. To attempt to distinguish between these possibilities we have systematically characterized Aβ peptides in a postmortem series of PA, AD and non-demented control (NDC) brains.
Boron Coordination in PbO.2B2O3 and BaO·2B2O3 Melts

A partial molar volume technique was used to estimate the coordination number of oxygen ions around a boron ion in PbO·2B2O3 and BaO·2B2O3 melts. The boron coordination number appeared to be lower in the melt than in the crystal of PbO·2B2O3, whereas it was nearly the same in the melt and crystal of BaO·2B2O3.
Evidence for a sampling artifact for particulate-phase mercury in the marine atmosphere

Abstract During a coastal environment study an artifact associated with a widely used particulate mercury (Hg) sampling method was discovered that produces inconsistent results for Hg in PM10 samples of different duration (12 versus 4-h). The artifact is attributed to loss of Hg from filters over the course of the longer sampling periods, perhaps due to chemical reaction, enhanced by high humidities common to the marine boundary layer. On the seven days on which three successive 4- and 12-h duration samples were obtained, the mean Hg concentration of PM10 was significantly higher for the 4-h samples (22.5 pg m−3) than for the 12-h samples (8.4 pg m−3) ( p = 0.012 ). The day-to-day differences between 4- and 12-h samples ranged from −1 to 29 pg m−3. No consistent difference was observed in the Hg concentration of PM2.5 of different durations. Adsorption of reactive gaseous mercury (RGM) onto PM2.5 was also evaluated by collection of samples with and without an upstream KCl denuder for RGM removal. Concentrations were not significantly different, indicating that RGM adsorption was not evident in this low aerosol, low RGM environment. The discovery of an artifact related to sample duration demonstrates the need for continued evaluation and validation of the currently accepted methods for atmospheric Hg measurements.
Contamination-free solutions of selenium in amines for nanoparticle synthesis

We present, for the first time, versatile solutions of concentrated selenium, within an array of amines, in a fast and low temperature manner without contaminants. These solutions allow the unprecedented opportunity to synthesize a variety of pure selenium and selenide nanoparticles as well as mixed chalcogen sulfoselenide compounds.
Diffusion and transfer of antibody proteins from a sugar-based hydrogel

Diffusion of antibody protein from hydrogel films and hydrogel encapsulated in a microcapillary was studied. Thin hydrogel films were formed by crosslinking 6-acryloyl-B-O-methylgalactoside withN,N’-methylene-bis-acrylamide and the diffusive transport of monoclonal antimouse IgG-FITC into and out of the hydrated films was measured. Diffusion coefficients in 2 and 4% crosslinked hydrogel films were measured. The measured diffusion constants determined for IgG in both the 2 and 4% hydrogel films were comparable to the free diffusion of IgG in bulk water (Dmean ∼ 10-7cm2/s). In addition, 2% crosslinked hydrogels were prepared in a capillary tube and the transport of antimouse IgG-FITC into and out of the hydrated hydrogel was measured. Kinetic analysis indicated that the protein transport through the capillary hydrogel was faster than would be expected for a simple diffusion process. Finally, by utilizing the diffusion of antibody from the capillary hydrogel, transfer of antibody to a silica surface was demonstrated. A capillary hydrogel loaded with antimouse IgG-FITC was used to transfer the protein to a silica surface forming a 30-μm spot of antibody, which was imaged using fluorescence microscopy. These results may lead to the development of a nonlithographic method of patterning antibodies on surfaces for use in integrated microimmunosensors.
State aid programs for equalizing spending across local school districts: does the structure of the program matter, or only it’s size?

This paper provides interesting insights into an important causal mechanism underlying Murray, Evans and Schwab’s (Am. Econ. Rev. 88(4):789–812, 1998) finding that court mandated reforms result in less inequality in spending per pupil levels across rich and poor school districts within a state. Treating the choice of an education program’s structure as endogenous, following the analysis of Leyden (Public Finance/Finances Publiques 47:229–247, 1992; Public Choice 115(1–2):83–107, 2003), yields empirical results suggesting that court mandated reforms increase the likelihood that a program’s structure will include a price effect and that the inclusion of a price effect in turn results in a decrease in spending inequality.
IDENTICAL-TWIN HYBRIDS OF CITRUS X PONCIRUS FROM STRICTLY SEXUAL SEED PARENTS'

A B S T R A C T Tree characters of 13 sets of twin and triplet hybrids from single seeds of crosses of Citrus X Poncirus and characters of three other Citrus twin sets are described. Evidence from tree size and habit, leaf size, shape, and thickness, and time of leafing and leaf fall indicates that these twins and triplets are probably all genetically identical within sets. Recent cytological evidence is cited which indicates that supernumerary sexual embryos can occur in Citrus by a process of budding from the primary embryo. The twin and triplet hybrids are clearly of separate origin from multiple asexual seedlings, also normally genetically identical, which arise fram cells of the nucellus in many Citrus varieties. MVANY MEMBERS of the genus Citrus and some closely related genera reproduce asexually by
Self-replacement in old-growth white pine forests of Temagami, Ontario

Abstract Surveys of both live and dead vegetation were conducted to examine long-term successional trends in old-growth white pine forest. The forest successional trend, for a period of possibly up to seven centuries, shows that white pine has been the dominant species over this time period indicating that these old-growth white pine forests have been self-replacing. Size-class analysis was used as an indicator of age-class structure. Results of this analysis show that the old-growth white pine stands are at least partially uneven-aged. The uneven-aged condition, resulting from continuous recruitment, was most likely facilitated by local disturbances such as small surface fires, windthrown trees and the death of large individual trees through biological or other agents. These findings cast some doubt on the silvicultural theory that catastrophic fire is the only primary facilitator of natural white pine regeneration. Selection logging in white pine forest may make better use of the various non-catastrophic mechanisms of natural white pine regeneration. It is unlikely, however, that the old-growth condition can be maintained or enhanced under any cutting regime. In addition to the production of fibre, old-growth forests are valuable components of the landscape from both a functional ecological perspective and a scientific perspective.
Employment of the epidermal growth factor receptor in growth factor-independent signaling pathways.

The traditional view of growth factor receptors and hormone receptors in general is that a specific ligand directly recognizes a highly selective binding site on its cognate receptor and, thereby, activates receptor-dependent signaling and biological responses. In the case of the EGF receptor, several structurally related proteins (EGF, transforming growth factor alpha, amphiregulin, betacellulin, epiregulin, heparin-binding EGF) are recognized as direct agonists. Each of these growth factors binds to the ectodomain of the EGF receptor and provokes its activation through a mechanism that involves dimerization, activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase cytosolic domain, and autophosphorylation of the receptor. This process initiates signaling pathways that lead to mitogenesis. Recently it has become apparent that the EGF receptor is also part of signaling networks activated by stimuli that do not directly interact with this receptor. These stimuli include agonists that specifically bind to other membrane receptors, membrane depolarization agents, and environmental stressors. The data not only show EGF-independent tyrosine phosphorylation of the EGF receptor, but also provide experimental evidence that the EGF receptor participates in the signaling events and cellular responses initiated by these various stimuli. Collectively, the results imply that in the absence of direct agonists the EGF receptor is employed in a wide array of biological signaling processes. The purpose of this article is to review and evaluate these nonclassical uses of the EGF receptor.
Economic Integration in North America—An Agreement of Limited Dimensions but Unlimited Expectations

Economic integration often is motivated less by economic interests than by social and political movements and pressures. The European Economic Community was founded on a blend of French ideas about addressing the 'German problem,' and British notions of creating a United States of Europe, nevertheless excluding Britain. Few observers doubted Germany's separate capacity to regain economic strength without economic integration. But in that strength lay the potential power to dominate, and possibly rule, Europe. Creation of a European Community might achieve the goal of 'Never Again War,' but it might be unable to avoid German economic dominance.
Spread of white hypovirulent strains of Cryphonectria parasitica on grafted American chestnut trees exhibiting a high level of blight control

Summary In 1982 and 1983, natural blight cankers, located in a zone extending from the ground to 183 cm on the main stem of grafted American chestnut trees, were inoculated with a mixture of dsRNA-containing, white (European) and pigmented hypovirulent strains of Cryphonectria parasitica (H-inoculated zone). In 1996, white isolates (34% of 156 C. parasitica isolates) were recovered from superficial cankers throughout the grafts and as far as 564 cm from the H-inoculated zone. Lloyd's index of patchiness value (1.36) indicated that white isolates were slightly aggregated in cankers on the grafts. Forty-five percent of 95 C. parasitica isolates, recovered 5–50 months after inoculating the grafts with pigmented virulent strain WK, were white and some converted strain WK to the white phenotype in vitro. All cankers and bark cores yielding only pigmented isolates, vegetatively compatible with virulent strain WK, had superficial necrosis 5 and 11 months after inoculation with strain WK. All white isolates of C. parasitica assayed contained a 12.7 kbp dsRNA in high concentrations, and were hypovirulent in pathogenicity trials. Twenty-eight vegetative compatibility groups were identified among 65 pigmented graft area isolates; none of 48 pigmented isolates contained dsRNA. In addition to host resistance factors, spread of white strains may be responsible for the unusually high level of blight control on the grafts.
Effects of cooling parietal cortex on prefrontal units in delay tasks

Abstract The effects of cooling posterior parietal cortex (areas 5 and 7) on behavior and on the activity of prefrontal neurons were assessed in monkeys performing two visual discrimination tasks with delayed choice. In both tasks, the visual cue for each trial was displayed for 0.5 s by near projection through colored filters on a central 2.5-cm translucid button. After a variable delay, the choice stimuli were presented on two lower stimulus-response buttons; to obtain a reward, the animal had to press the correct button in accord with the cue. In one task, a red or a green cue called for the choice of that color when the two colors appeared after the delay; in the other task, a yellow or blue cue called for the choice of respectively, the right or the left of the two white-illuminated choice buttons. Prefrontal single-unit activity (sulcus principalis area) and eye movements were recorded during task performance while parietal areas were at normal or subnormal (6–20°C) temperature. Two-thirds of the units investigated showed significant spontaneous firing changes, most commonly a decrease, as a result of bilateral parietal cooling. A similar proportion of units showed cooling-related changes, excitatory or inhibitory, of their firing activity during the task; such firing changes could occur in any trial-epoch. Parietal cooling also induced misreaching, slow and inaccurate ocular movements, and longer choice reaction time, but did not alter performance in terms of correct responses. Our results suggest the involvement of posterior parietal cortex in spatial aspects of task performance (reaching speed and occuracy, eye movements, reaction time). They also suggest the existence of functional influences from parietal upon prefrontal cortex. Those influences, however, seem not essential for the basic role of the prefrontal cortex in the temporal integration of behavior.
Graph theory and the passivity of binary alloys

Abstract The passivity of a binary alloy is considered in terms of a network of –M–O–M– bridges in the oxide film, where M is the component of the binary alloy having the oxide of the lower free energy of formation. The structure of the oxide is represented by a mathematical graph, and graph theory is used to calculate the connectivity of the oxide, given by the product of the number of edges in the graph and the Randic index. A stochastic calculation is employed to insert ions of the second metal into the oxide film so as to disrupt the connectivity of the –M–O–M– network. This disruption occurs at a critical ionic concentration of the oxide film, which is then related to the concentration of alloying element in the metal alloy by means of experimental surface analysis data. The results of this analysis for Fe–Cr, Ni–Cr, Cu–Ni, and Fe–Si are each in good agreement with experimental observations.
Synthesis and characterization of zeogrid molecular sieves

Abstract Clear solution was prepared by hydrolyzing tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) in tetrapropylammonium (TPA) hydroxide and heated at 120 °C for various times in order to generate half-nanoslabs, nanoslabs, tablets, intermediates and colloidal Silicalite-1 crystals. These building units were precipitated by addition of cetyltrimethylammonium (CTMA) bromide. After evacuation of TPA and CTMA from the precipitates through calcination, microporous materials having substantial micropore volumes of 0.5–0.7 ml/g designated as Zeogrids were obtained. The micropores comprise ultra-micropores inside the zeolitic building units, and super-micropores between these building units. The ultra-micropores of Zeogrids render molecular sieving properties to these materials, which can be fine-tuned by adapting the size of the zeolitic building units. To cite this article: S.P.B. Kremer et al., C. R. Chimie 8 (2005).
Follicular fluid steroid content and in vitro steroid secretion by granulosa-lutein cells from individual follicles among different stimulation protocols for in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.

The in vitro steroidogenic capacity of granulosa-lutein (G-L) cells aspirated from individual follicles during cycles of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer was examined and compared among three different stimulation protocols: human menopausal gonadotropins (hMG), clomiphene citrate (CC) and hMG, and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). In addition, the clinical outcome of the patients in each protocol was examined. After 3 days of culture in basal medium, fresh medium with or without androstenedione (A) (10−7 M) was added for 24 hr, at which time medium was obtained for measurement of progesterone (P) and estradiol (E) content. Follicular fluid (FF) P, E, and A were measured in each follicle and compared among protocols. FF from individual follicles in patients stimulated with FSH contained higher levels of P compared to FF from patients stimulated with hMG or CC/hMG, while E was higher in patients stimulated with CC/hMG compared to FSH or hMG. FF levels of A were not significantly different among the protocols. In vitro steroid secretion revealed a progressive, increase in P secretion in contrast to decreasing E secretion when one compares CC/hMG, hMG, and FSH. Patients undergoing ovarian hyperstimulation with FSH had significantly more atretic oocytes identified at the time of oocyte harvest compared to patients undergoing ovarian hyperstimulation with CC/hMG or hMG. The hMG protocol yielded significantly fewer fertilized oocytes, cleaved embryos, and transferred embryos, compared to the CC/hMG and FSH protocol, however, there was no significant difference in pregnancy rate among the three protocols. These data demonstrate that individual follicles contain G-L cells with markedly different abilities to luteinize in vitro as assessed by steroid secretion. Furthermore, the in vitro steroidogenic capacity of G-L cells tends to reflect the steroid profile found in the follicular fluid at the time of harvest. The marked variability in in vitro steroid secretion of G-L cells from the same follicle cohort suggests that attempts to induce multiple follicular development may not necessarily lead to synchronous development of all follicles in an individual patient.
Examining the relationship between family context and children’s physical activity beliefs: The role of parenting style

Abstract Objectives Previous research studies examining parental influences on children’s physical activity (PA) have focused primarily on parents’ own PA behavior, as well as their PA-related beliefs and socially supportive behaviors. The present study, although aligned with this mainstream parental influence research, was grounded in a broader child development perspective to examine the influence of parenting style on children’s PA beliefs and quality of parent–child communication. Method Self-report questionnaires were administered to 173 children ranging in age from 9 to 12 years to assess their perceptions of parenting style, parent–child communication patterns, as well as their own perceptions of fitness competence, value, and goal orientation. Results Children’s constellation of beliefs and attitudes regarding PA as well as their perceptions of the parent–child communication process did vary as a function of the type of parenting style they perceived their parents to use. High challenge parenting style was linked to higher perceived fitness competence and value on the part of the children. High support parenting style was linked to more positive perceived parent–child communication patterns. Conclusion Parenting style may be a critical underlying family process variable that impacts children’s development of a positive constellation of beliefs about PA. Future work is needed to link parenting style and children’s PA beliefs to their PA behavior.
Modification and avoidance of unmodifiable and unavoidable footshock

The majority of preference-for-signaled-shock experiments have been done using scrambled footshock. In the present study each of the 24 rats used as subjects was observed to modify the current density distribution or totally avoid scrambled footshock by making a postural adjustment during a signal preceding the shock. This suggests that footshock is inappropriate for investigating the preference-for-signaled-shock phenomenon due to the possibility of changes in the affective value of the shock through postural modification.
The Effects of Cigarette Smoke Condensate on Vocal Fold Transepithelial Resistance and Inflammatory Signaling in Vocal Fold Fibroblasts

Objectives/Hypothesis: In response to chronic cigarette smoke exposure, a subset of patients present with edematous vocal folds, characteristically referred to as Reinke's edema. This phenotype differs from the tissue changes associated with prolonged smoke exposure in the lower airway, and the mechanism underlying Reinke's edema remains poorly described. We hypothesize that the effects of smoke are diffuse and involve both the epithelium and mucosa. Study Design: In vitro, ex vivo experiment. Methods: Transepithelial resistance (RT) was quantified in an ex vivo, viable, porcine vocal fold model. Excised tissue was exposed to cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) and RT was computed at baseline and 1 and 4 hours after exposure. In vitro, human vocal fold fibroblasts were exposed to CSC. Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1, and 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase mRNA expression were assessed at 4 hours. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis was quantified via immunoassay following 24 hours of CSC exposure. Results: CSC had no effect on RT. CSC did, however, induce COX-2 mRNA expression as well as its downstream lipid mediator PGE2. PGE2 metabolism appears to be regulated via both synthetic and degradative enzymes in response to cigarette smoke. Conclusions: In vitro, CSC initiates an inflammatory response in vocal fold fibroblasts. However, in isolation, the epithelial resistance is not altered by CSC, at least acutely. These data may suggest a role for the interaction between the inflammatory response in the mucosa and compromised epithelial barrier function, as has been shown in other tissues. Laryngoscope, 2011
Spectrometer concept and design for X-ray astronomy using a blazed transmission grating

We present a spectrometer design based on a novel nanofabricated blazed X-ray transmission grating which is modeled to have superior efficiency. Here we outline a full instrument design proposed for Constellation-X which is expected to give resolving powers ~2000 (HEW). The spectrometer advantages include lower mass budget and smaller diffractor area, as well as order-of-magnitude more relaxed alignment tolerances for crucial degrees of freedom than reflection grating schemes considered in the past 1,2,3 . The spectrometer readout is based on conventional CCD technology adapted to operate with very high speed and low power. This instrument will enable high resolution absorption and emission line spectroscopy in the critical band between 0.2 and 1.5 keV.
Cytosine Arabinoside Differentially Alters Survival and Neurite Outgrowth of Neuronal PC12 Cells

Cytosine arabinoside, a potent antimitotic agent, is used clinically as an anticancer drug with the side effect of severe neurotoxicity. Earlier reports suggested that this agent blocks the signaling pathway of nerve growth factor in sympathetic neurons, which results in neuronal death. The present study demonstrated that neuronal PC12 cells deprived of nerve growth factor showed a decrease of neurite outgrowth, which was not seen in cytosine arabinoside-treated neuronal PC12 cells, suggesting that this agent may not interfere with the part of the NGF signaling pathway that leads to neurite outgrowth. On the other hand, treatment of neuronal PC12 cells with cytosine arabinoside led to a dose- and time-dependent decrease of viability. These results suggest that there is a distinction between the neurite outgrowth and the survival promoting activities of nerve growth factor.
Images in emergency medicine. Young woman with epigastric pain and vomiting. Ingestion of 35% hydrogen peroxide.

A 23-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with epigastric pain and vomiting after unintentionally ingesting a cleaning agent stored in her refrigerator. On physical examination, the patient was tachycardic at 100 beats/min, but was otherwise well-appearing with a soft, non-tender abdomen. Initial blood work was unremarkable. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis (Figure 1) and upper endoscopy were performed (Figure 2). Figure 1 Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis revealing gas in the stomach and hepatic portal veins. Figure 2 Upper endoscopy images, revealing erythema and superficial erosion to the lower esophagus (left panel) and the body of the stomach (right panel).
Interaction of the components of the prothrombinase complex

Abstract The interaction of components of the prothrombinase complex, i.e. bovine Factor X or Factor Xa. bovine Factor V or Factor Va, phospholipid, and Ca 2+ , in various combinations was studied primary by a gel filtration technique. In experiments, in which phospholipids ranging from those isolated from naturally occurring sources to those long chain (18 : 1) as well as short chain 6 : o and 7 : 0 fatty acids prepared by chemical and enzymatic synthesis were used, it was evident that a net negative surface charge on the lipid dispersions was one of the important requirements for interaction. Though the short chain fatty acid phospholipids interacted with the proteins of the prothrombinase complex, there was invariably a diminution in the activity of the enxyme complex. It was established that Factor V or Va did not bind Ca 2+ and that the binding of either of these factors with phospholipids (with a net negative charge) was not dependent on Ca 2+ . However, the interaction of Factor X or Factor Xa with phospholipids with a negative charge required Ca 2+ . It was shown that Factor X could bind to the same type of lipid surface as that notes for Factor Xa. Of interest was the apparent difference in the phospholipid binding characteristics of the two variant forms of bovine plasma Factor X, i.e. X 1 and X 2 , which might in part explain the differences in their specific activities. Of importance was the lack of demonstrable complex formation between Factors II, X and V in the absence of phospholipids and/or in the presence or absence of Ca 2+ . The significance of these results as they might apply to the configuration of the prothrombinase complex and its interaction with prothrombin plus the usefulness of the short chain fatty phospholipid in exploring these lipid-protein interactions are discussed.
Preparation and Structural Characterization of ansa-Mono(cyclopentadienyl)dimethylsilylamido Group 4 Metal Butadiene Complexes. Observation of a Tetranuclear Structure for [(C5H4)SiMe2(N-t-Bu)]Zr(C4H6) Featuring Bridging Butadiene Ligands

The metathetical reactions of [(C5H4)SiMe2(N-t-Bu)]MCl2, M = Ti, Zr, with [Mg(C4H6)(THF)2]n afford the respective group 4 metal butadiene complexes, [(C5H4)SiMe2(N-t-Bu)]M(C4H6). The solution NMR and X-ray crystallographic data for [(C5H4)SiMe2(N-t-Bu)]Ti(C4H6) indicate that the butadiene moiety adopts a symmetrical prone structure consistent with a Ti(II) π-diene bonding representation. Alternatively, the solution and solid-state structures for its Zr analogue are markedly different. Whereas the observed chemical shift dispersion for the anti and meso butadiene protons of [(C5H4)SiMe2(N-t-Bu)]Zr(C4H6) supports a zirconacyclopentene structure in solution, the solid-state structure of this compound is actually tetranuclear. The four [(C5H4)SiMe2(N-t-Bu)]Zr units of {[(C5H4)SiMe2(N-t-Bu)]Zr(C4H6)}4 are related by a crystallographically imposed S4 rotation axis and are linked by four unsymmetrically bridging butadiene groups via an unusual ((1,2,3-η3)-Zr−(4-μ2)-Zr) bonding interaction. The five-coordinate tr...
Psychopathy, passive-avoidance learning and basic dimensions of personality

This study examined the relations between basic dimensions of personality and passive-avoidance learning (PAL) deficit in psychopathic and nonpsychopathic criminals. Subjects were 79 male, medium-security federal prison inmates. PAL was measured using a computer game, and degree of psychopathy was assessed by the Psychopathy Checklist. Each subject also completed personality questionnaires. The relationship between PAL and psychopathy was only significant for White subjects. The personality measure that showed the most consistent relationship with psychopathy was Impulsive Sensation Seeking (ImpSS), but the relationship was only significant for Whites, and not for Blacks and Hispanics. The inconsistent findings between ethnic groups was discussed in terms of a limited understanding of ethnic differences in the field of personality and psychopathology. Among the personality traits, only ImpSS significantly predicted passive-avoidance learning errors. The relationships between ImpSS and both psychopathy and passive-avoidance learning are discussed in terms of Zuckerman's (Psychobiology of Personality, 1991) psychobiological theory of personality.
ACTION OF SOME SYNTHETIC STEROIDS IN ADRENALECTOMIZED IMMATURE RAT

THE CAPACITY of progesterone to maintain growth and life in the immature II adrenalectomized rat has been well established (1–4). Furthermore, Clausen Jl (5) has reported that progesterone causes atrophy of the adrenal in the intact rat, an effect that has been observed with certain adrenal steroids, namely Kendall's compounds A and B and cortin (6). However, it does not protect the rat against water intoxication (1) nor is it active in the muscle test of Ingle (7). It is noteworthy that certain adrenal steroids which are effective in maintaining life in adrenalectomised animals do not promote muscular efficiency. Gaunt (8) attempted to maintain adrenalectomised immature rats with pregneninolone in dosages of 1.7 mg. by injection in propylene glycol and 3.0 mg. daily, mixed with the food. This treatment not only failed to maintain life, but also elicited toxic reactions.
Application of principal component analysis to large-scale spectral line imaging studies of the interstellar medium

The multivariate statistical technique of principal component analysis (PCA) is described and demonstrated to be a valuable tool to consolidate the large amount of information obtained with spectroscopic imaging observations of the interstellar medium. Simple interstellar cloud models with varying degrees of complexity and Gaussian noise are constructed and analyzed to demonstrate the ability of PCA to statistically extract physical features and phenomena from the data and to gauge the effects of random noise upon the analysis. Principal components are calculated for high spatial dynamic range 12CO and 13CO data cubes of the Sh 155 (Cep OB3) cloud complex. These identify the three major emission components within the cloud and the spatial differences between 12CO and 13CO emissions. Higher order eigenimages identify small velocity fluctuations and therefore provide spatial information to the turbulent velocity field within the cloud. A size line width relationship δv ~ Rα is derived from spatial and kinematic characterizations of the principal components of 12CO emission from the Sh 155, Sh 235, Sh 140, and Gem OB1 cloud complexes. The power-law indices for these clouds range from 0.42 to 0.55 and are similar to those derived from an ensemble of clouds within the Galaxy found by Larson (1981) and Solomon et al. (1987). The size-line width relationship within a given cloud provides an important diagnostic to the variation of kinetic energy with size scale within turbulent flows of the interstellar medium.
Aromatizing unzipping polyester for EUV photoresist

ABSTRACT 1HZ³ self -immolating ´ RU³XQ]LSSLQJ´ polymer s, materials that depolymerize in response to irradiation , w ere designed and prep ared successfully . We studied several candidate polymers and ultimately chose two of the m for further development . One is a polyester that aromatizes upon depolymerization. The unzipping reaction initiated by UV exposure in solution was confirmed . T he po lymer was then studied in thin films to assess its potential for use in formulating photoresist s. The neat polymer was tested as a blend with no volac resin. The effect of un zipping poly ester loading in novolac on the rate of dissolution of films in TMAH wa s studied. Inhibition occurs at 20 i 30% loading. The films were exposed with D UV light and pattern ing was observed. The sensitivi ty of the unzipping poly ester formulation is low in part due to the low absorption of the polymer for UV light . However , the polymer showed higher sensitivity with EUV exposure and first contrast curves show sensitivity in the range of 20 i 25 mJ/cm
Evaluation of artifacts associated with macular spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

Purpose To characterize the types and frequencies of image artifacts associated with macular scanning using 2 common spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT) instruments and to evaluate the impact of artifacts on foveal thickness measurements. Design Retrospective, observational chart review. Participants For the Cirrus HD-OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA), scans of 98 eyes from 58 patients were included in the study. For the Spectralis HRA+OCT (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany), scans of 88 eyes from 54 patients were included. Methods Macular volume scans of healthy and diseased eyes were evaluated systematically for image artifacts within each scan overall and within the center 1-mm area. The frequency of each artifact type was compared for scans stratified by diagnosis category. Artifacts in the center 1-mm area were graded for severity and were corrected manually using each instrument's software. Artifacts that resulted in errors of more than 50 μm or more than 10% of retinal thickness or that caused a misdiagnosis of macular edema or retinal thinning were defined as clinically significant and were analyzed further. Main Outcome Measures Overall frequency of image artifacts by artifact type, relative frequency of artifacts in scans stratified by posterior segment disease diagnosis, and retinal thickness measurements of the center 1-mm subfield before and after artifact corrections. Results For Cirrus, 84.7% of scans had artifacts and 32.7% had at least 1 artifact in the center 1-mm area of the scan. For Spectralis, 90.9% of scans had at least 1 artifact, and 37.5% had at least 1 artifact in the center 1-mm area. Certain artifact types were observed more frequently with specific disease states. Clinically significant artifacts involving the center 1-mm area were seen in 5.1% of Cirrus and 8.0% of Spectralis scans. Conclusions Image artifacts in SD OCT volume scanning are common and frequently involve segmentation errors. Artifacts are relatively less common in the center 1-mm area of scans, but may affect retinal thickness measurements in a clinically significant manner. Careful review of scans for artifacts is important when using SD OCT images and retinal thickness measurements in patient care or clinical trials. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Involutions of \operatorname{{SL}} (nk), (n>2)

A first characterization of the isomorphism classes of \(k\)-involutions for any reductive algebraic group defined over a perfect field was given in [7] using three invariants. In this paper we give a simple characterization of the isomorphism classes of involutions of \(\operatorname{SL}(n, k)\) with \(k\) any field of characteristic not equal to \(2\). We classify the isomorphism classes of involutions for \(k\) algebraically closed, the real numbers, the \(\mathfrak{p}\)-adic numbers and finite fields. We also determine in which cases the corresponding fixed point group \(H\) is \(k\)-anisotropic. In those cases the corresponding symmetric \(k\)-variety consists of semisimple elements.
Improving conservation planning for an endangered sawfish using data from acoustic telemetry

Abstract Understanding the movement and habitat use patterns of threatened species is essential to effective conservation planning. Modern tracking techniques such as active tracking and passive acoustic monitoring can be useful tools in elucidating this information for aquatic species. To aid in the development of conservation strategies for juvenile critically endangered smalltooth sawfish ( Pristis pectinata ) their fine scale movements and habitat use in southwest Florida were studied using a combination of these techniques. Between 2002 and 2006 a total of 12 individuals were actively tracked for periods of up to 24 h to provide detailed habitat use and movement parameters (distance moved, speed, and linearity). Smaller individuals ( 100 cm STL demonstrated larger home ranges, preference for shallow mud or and sand banks, and remained close to mangrove shorelines. Tide was found to be the main factor influencing movement on short time scales. Sawfish 130 cm had high levels of site fidelity for specific nursery areas for periods up to almost 3 months, but the smaller juveniles had relatively short site fidelity to specific locations. The use of a combination of tracking and monitoring techniques provided an expanded range of information by generating both short and long term data on habitat use. The data demonstrated that the conservation of shallow mud and sand banks, and mangrove shorelines will benefit the recovery of these endangered elasmobranchs.
Gender Differences in Occupational Attitudes Among Slovak Police

Gender differences in policing have drawn some research attention over the past three decades. Very little, however, is known about the possible attitudinal distinctions between female and male police officers in non—English-speaking countries. This study seeks to make a contribution to this line of research by analyzing attitudinal differences between male and female officers in Slovakia. Using survey data collected from 250 police officers in several Slovak police regions, this research empirically assesses male and female officers’ attitudes toward police role, community policing, and work obstacles. The results indicate that Slovak female and male officers do not differ much in their attitudes toward police roles and community policing. Slovak female officers are more likely to report having limited promotion opportunity but less likely to express higher levels of work—family conflict than their male counterparts. Implications for policy and future research are discussed.
An operational system implementation of the ESPIRIT DF algorithm

The practical implementation of the ESPRIT algorithm into direction-finding system architecture is considered. In particular, the problems of phase ambiguity resolution for extended array separations and multidimensional azimuth/elevation estimation are addressed. Generalized solutions for these problems are proposed, and a bearing quality indicator that provides a measure of credibility associated with each angle-of-arrival estimate is developed. Plots of computer simulated performance are presented in order to assess the probability of detection, of failure to alarm, and of false alarm as a function of azimuthal separation and period of signal observation. >
Pathways of Youth Gambling Problem Severity.

Prospective studies are needed to advance knowledge of the developmental features of gambling involvement and associated problems. Developmental pathways of youth gambling problem severity (no problem gambling, at-risk gambling, and problem gambling) are described on the basis of a 3-wave data set that spans midadolescence to young adulthood (N=305). The most prevalent group was the resistors (no problem gambling at all data points); 60% of study participants were in this group. New incidence cases (no problem gambling followed by at-risk or problem gambling) and desistors (at-risk or problem gambling followed by no problem gambling) were found among 21% and 13% of participants, respectively. Only 4% of cases were persistors, that is, at-risk or problem gambling at all 3 data waves. Findings are discussed in light of extant research on adolescent gambling that heretofore has not benefited from a developmental pathway perspective.