cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New results on the p-adic valuation of Stirling numbers.

We generalize results on the $p$-adic valuations of $S(n,k)$, the Stirling number of the second kind and $s(n,k)$ the Stirling number of the first kind. We have several new estimates for these valuations, along with criteria for when the estimates are sharp. The primary foci are the explicit evaluation of $\nu_2(S(n,k))$ with $n=c2^h$, $k=b2^h+a$, $a, b, c, h, k, n \in Z^+$, and $1\le a \le 2^{h-1}$, and $\nu_p(S(n,k))$ when $n=cp^h$ for an odd prime $p$. We have strong new results, which generalize and strengthen previous results, for all primes. We also have some new results on the $p$-adic valuations $\nu_p(s(n,k))$ for all primes. We generally assume that $p-1|n-k$ for exact values of $\nu_p(S(n,k))$ or $\nu_p(s(n,k))$. In addition, we have proved some new Amdeberhan-type identities for Stirling numbers of both kinds. We also extend some recent results and propose two new conjectures, as well as proofs and extensions of previous ones.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: Status and Plans

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) was founded in 1930 as a private, nonprofit research laboratory dedicated to prosecute oceanography in all its branches. The impetus for its founding was a study by the United States National Academy of Science which pointed out the importance to the nation of the then fledgling field, and recommended the establishment on the east coast of an institution which could both develop its own critical mass of multidisciplinary scientific talent, and make the heavy investment in ships and facilities needed to spur on the field as a whole. Its special expertise was to be its ability to make and interpret state-of-the-art measurements at sea.
Efficacy of artificial refuge to enhance survival of young Barrens topminnows exposed to western mosquitofish

Artificial refugia have been implemented in freshwater and marine systems to increase structural complexity and achieve a variety of fisheries management goals. The use of artificial refuge to promote coexistence between an invasive species and a native species has not been widely studied but may serve as a viable management option. Range expansion of the invasive western mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, across the Barrens Plateau of Tennessee has contributed to local extirpations of the native Barrens topminnow, Fundulus julisia, from parts of its historic range. Recent laboratory and field observations suggest that young topminnows may be vulnerable to injury from, or predation by, mosquitofish in the wild. In this study, an artificial refuge was tested in the laboratory and in situ to determine if it could increase survival, growth, or recruitment of juvenile topminnows exposed to mosquitofish. Adult topminnows and small mosquitofish caused negligible mortality to juvenile topminnows regardless of refuge presence in the laboratory trial. However, topminnow 20-day survival in the presence of large mosquitofish was 13% when refuge was present and 7% when refuge was absent. Juvenile topminnow growth did not differ among treatments indicating that the addition of refuge or the type of potential antagonist did not significantly affect topminnow growth. Field trial results showed no statistical differences in the number of juvenile topminnows captured at sites with refuges and those without, except during July sampling. In both trials, juvenile topminnows were observed to use the refuges, but no evidence exists that would indicate refuges are a feasible management tool for promoting the coexistence of topminnows with mosquitofish. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radiocarbon Ages of Lacustrine Deposits in Volcanic Sequences of the Lomas Coloradas Area, Socorro Island, Mexico

Extensive eruptions of alkalic basalt from low-elevation fissures and vents on the southern flank of the dormant volcano, Cerro Evermann, accompanied the most recent phase of volcanic activity on Socorro Island, and created the Lomas Coloradas, a broad, gently sloping terrain comprising the southern part of the island. We obtained 14C ages of 4690 +/- 270 BP (5000-5700 cal BP) and 5040 +/- 460 BP (5300-6300 cal BP) from lacustrine deposits that occur within volcanic sequences of the lower Lomas Coloradas. Apparently, the sediments accumulated within a topographic depression between two scoria cones shortly after they formed. The lacrustine environment was destroyed when the cones were breached by headward erosion of adjacent stream drainages. This was followed by the eruption of a thin basaltic flow from fissures near the base of the northernmost cone. The flow moved downslope for a short distance and into the drainages that presently bound the study area on the east and west. The flow postdates development of the present drainage system and may be very recent. Our 14C data, along with historical accounts of volcanic activity over the last century, including submarine eruptions that occurred a few km west of Socorro in early 1993, underscore the high risk for explosive volcanism in this region and the need for a detailed volcanic hazards plan and seismic monitoring.
Na+/H+ antiport activity conferred by Bacillus subtilis tetA(L), a 5' truncation product of tetA(L), and related plasmid genes upon Escherichia coli.

An Escherichia coli transformant expressing the Bacillus subtilis tetA(L) gene from a weak promoter was challenged by growth on medium with low, increasing tetracycline concentrations. Changes in the substrate preference ratios of the TetA(L)-mediated resistances and antiports were examined in view of recent findings suggesting that TetA(L) catalyzes efflux of Na+ in exchange for protons in addition to having the ability to catalyze metal-tetracycline/H+ antiport. After growth of the transformant on 1 microgram or more of tetracycline per ml for 12 to 15 h, the tetA(L) gene in the plasmid was found to be disrupted by an IS10 element 50 bp from the 5' end of the coding sequence. This disrupted recombinant plasmid, pKB1, conferred greater tetracycline resistance and higher levels of membrane metal-tetracycline/proton antiport than the original plasmid, pJTA1, but conferred lower NA+ resistance and Na+/H+ antiport levels than the original plasmid. The results indicate that the 5' end of the gene is necessary for optimal Na+/H+ antiport but that some such activity as well as robust tetracycline/H+ antiport persists in its absence. Two plasmid genes, tet(K) and qacA, were compared with tetA(L) vis-a-vis their abilities to enhance the Na+/H+ antiporter activity of everted vesicles from E. coli transformants. tet(K), which is more closely related to tetA(L), catalyzed 22Na+ uptake by energized vesicles, whereas the less closely related qacA gene did not.
Multirate Filter Banks for Subband Coding

This chapter develops the theory of multirate signal processing as used in subband coding systems. Multirate operations are reviewed, multirate filter banks are analyzed and structures and design methods for perfect reconstruction filter banks are indicated. Special attention is given to the multidimensional case. We do not consider how to actually code the subband signals, and it will be assumed that the subband signals are perfectly transmitted.
Phosphate liberation by endometrium in the presence of adenosinetriphosphate.

Abstract The release of phosphate by endometrium in the presence of adenosinetriphosphate has been studied by homogenate and histochemical techniques in various phases of the menstrual cycle. Homogenate studies indicate that there is a cyclic variation of phosphate release which is greatest in the mid-progestational phase of the cycle. Histochemical studies at pH 9 demonstrate an intimate and reciprocal relation between phosphate release and glycogen deposition.
John G. Stoessinger: Why Nations Go To War

John G. Stoessinger is a prominent scholar of world politics who is currently Distinguished Professor of Global Diplomacy at the University of San Diego. His books have often been assigned as texts...
Structural requirements for steady-state localization of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter

The vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) regulates the amount of acetylcholine stored in synaptic vesicles. However, the mechanisms that control the targeting of VAChT and other synaptic vesicle proteins are still poorly comprehended. These processes are likely to depend, at least partially, on structural determinants present in the primary sequence of the protein. Here, we use site-directed mutagenesis to evaluate the contribution of the C-terminal tail of VAChT to the targeting of this transporter to synaptic-like microvesicles in cholinergic SN56 cells. We found that residues 481-490 contain the trafficking information necessary for VAChT localization and that within this region L485 and L486 are strictly necessary. Deletion and alanine-scanning mutants lacking most of the carboxyl tail of VAChT, but containing residues 481-490, were still targeted to microvesicles. Moreover, we found that clathrin-mediated endocytosis of VAChT is required for targeting to microvesicles in SN56 and PC12 cells. The data provide novel information on the mechanisms and structural determinants necessary for VAChT localization to synaptic vesicles.
Saline Flush Test: Can Bedside Sonography Replace Conventional Radiography for Confirmation of Above-the-Diaphragm Central Venous Catheter Placement?

OBJECTIVES Resuscitation often requires rapid vascular access via central venous catheters. Chest radiography is the reference standard to confirm central venous catheter placement and exclude complications. However, radiographs are often untimely. The purpose of this study was to determine whether dynamic sonographic visualization of a saline flush in the right side of the heart after central venous catheter placement could serve as a more rapid confirmatory study for above-the-diaphragm catheter placement. METHODS A consecutive prospective enrollment study was conducted in the emergency departments of 2 major tertiary care centers. Adult patients of the study investigators who required an above-the-diaphragm central venous catheter were enrolled during the study period. Patients had a catheter placed with sonographic guidance. After placement of the catheter, thoracic sonography was performed. The times for visualization of the saline flush in the right ventricle and sonographic exclusion of ipsilateral pneumothorax were recorded. Chest radiography was performed per standard practice. RESULTS Eighty-one patients were enrolled; 13 were excluded. The mean catheter confirmation time by sonography was 8.80 minutes (95% confidence interval, 7.46-10.14 minutes). The mean catheter confirmation time by chest radiograph availability for viewing was 45.78 minutes (95% confidence interval, 37.03-54.54 minutes). Mean sonographic confirmation occurred 36.98 minutes sooner than radiography (P< .001). No discrepancy existed between sonographic and radiographic confirmation. CONCLUSIONS Confirmation of central venous catheter placement by dynamic sonographic visualization of a saline flush with exclusion of pneumothorax is an accurate, safe, and more efficient method than confirmation by chest radiography. It allows the central line to be used immediately, expediting patient care.
On the scattering frequencies of the laplace operator for exterior domains

In this paper we show that the so-called scattering frequencies of the Laplace operator over an exterior domain, subject to Robin or Dirichlet boundary condition, cannot lie in certain portions of the upper half-plane. The excluded sets depend only on the type of boundary condition and the radius of the smallest sphere containing the scattering obstacle.
Liver Tolerance to Repeat 90Y-Microsphere Radioembolization

Purpose: Liver tolerance to multiple doses of Y90-microspheres is not known. Many patients (pts) are surviving long enough to be considered for a second and third liver treatments with internal radiation. Materials and Methods: The experience of a single center treating liver tumors with resin Y90-microspheres. Pts that received liver radiation prior to or after resin microsphere therapy were studied. Endpoints were toxicity, tumor response, shunting to lung, and effects on liver volume and function. The delivery activity of microspheres selected was not reduced below BSA dose calculation for patients without prior treatment. All patients received bilobar single session delivery. Results: A total of 38 pts; 14 women, 24 men, treated 6∕2003 to 9∕2006, with 33 pts receiving 2 courses and 5 pts with 3 courses of liver radiation. Retreatment with resin microspheres 26 pts, prior external beam radiation in 7 pts, prior glass microspheres in 2 pts, prior systemic radiotherapy in 2 pts, and prior stereotactic liver radiation in 1 pt. Liver function was stable and adequate in all patients after additional liver radiation, and no pts developed radiation-induced liver dysfunction (RILD) or veno-occlusive disease (VOD). The percentage of shunting to the lung decreased with retreatment. Conclusions: Repeated implantation in the liver with Y90-microspheres is safe in patients that have sufficient liver function and reserve based on known and accepted laboratory parameters already used for selection of microsphere therapy. No acute life-threatening, fatal, or late liver damage was observed, RILD or VOD. No specific dose reduction is recommended for retreatment of the liver.
Droplet transport on microstructured superhydrophobic surfaces

Systematic variation of microscale structures has been employed to create superhydrophobic tracks with varying contact angle. Droplets are propelled down these tracks, overcoming contact angle hysteresis using energy supplied by mechanical vibration. The rough hydrophobic surfaces have been designed to maintain air traps beneath the droplet by stabilizing its Fakir state. Dimensions and spacing of the microfabricated pillars in silicon control the solid-liquid contact area and are designed to create varying apparent contact angles. This work introduces the solid-liquid contact area fraction as a new control variable in any scheme of manipulating droplets, presenting theory, fabricated structures, and experimental results that validate the approach.
A Dynamic Simultaneous Equation Model of Electoral Choice

This article develops a simultaneous equation model of the voting decision in a form thought to mirror the main lines of cognitive decision-making processes of individual voters. The model goes beyond earlier efforts in two respects. First, it explicitly represents the causal interdependence of voter assessments in the election situation, permitting such estimations as the degree to which correlations between voter issue positions and issue positions ascribed to preferred candidates arise because of projection onto the candidate or persuasion by the candidate. Secondly, the model is truly dynamic, in the sense that it is dependent on longitudinal data for its proper estimation. The utility of the model is certified by the goodness of fit achieved when applied to 1972–76 panel data for a sample of the national electorate.
On the Mechanism of Peroxidase-Catalyzed Oxygen Production

Abstract A mechanism for oxygen production involving the reaction of cation radicals with H2O2 was investigated. The rate of oxygen production by peroxidases was greatly enhanced by the addition of ABTS [2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] or chlorpromazine, both of which are oxidized to cation radicals by peroxidases. We propose that enhanced oxygen evolution is due to the reaction of the cation radicals of these compounds with H2O2 to produce O⨪2 which then dismutates to produce oxygen. Oxygen evolution was quantitated in reaction mixtures containing electrochemically generated ABTS cation radicals and H2O2. The reaction was found to be first order with respect to the concentrations of the ABTS cation radical and H2O2 and the rate constants indicated that O⨪2 was an intermediate. Ferric EBTA enhanced oxygen production in both reaction systems (i.e., using ABTS+·that was generated electrochemically or with a peroxidase). These results suggest that O⨪2 production catalyzed by peroxidases is dependent upon a compound which is oxidized by the peroxidase to a cation radical. Superoxide is subsequently produced from the one-electron oxidation of H2O2 by the cation radical.
Should we continue to consider obesity a relative contraindication for autologous microsurgical breast reconstruction

Summary Background Obesity is not only a causative factor for premature mortality, it has also been demonstrated to be associated with an increased postoperative complication rate. As such, it has traditionally been considered a relative contraindication to autologous breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to assess whether this recommendation is justified. Methods A retrospective study was conducted analyzing the effect of obesity on complication rate after microsurgical autologous breast reconstruction using abdominal tissue. Patients undergoing breast reconstruction between November 2006 and February 2011 were included. In contrast to prior studies, only patients meeting criteria to undergo bariatric surgery were included in the study, thus, representing a particularly high-risk subset of patients (Group 1: BMI greater 40 kg/m 2 ; Group 2: BMI greater 35 kg/m 2 with co-morbidities). Results A total of 42 breast reconstructions were performed in 28 patients who met inclusion criteria. Surgical complications were seen in a total of 9 patients ( p = 1.00). All complications were successfully managed conservatively and did not prolong hospitalization. No differences were seen among study groups with respect to donor-site ( p = 0.57) and recipient-site complications ( p = 1.00). Of note, no partial or total flap loss was seen in this study. Conclusions Obesity is associated with a relatively high risk of minor complications postoperatively. However, complications can typically be managed non-operatively and on an outpatient basis with fairly minimal patient morbidity. We believe that obesity should not be considered a relative contraindication to autologous microsurgical breast reconstruction. Patients should, however, be informed preoperatively about their higher risk of postoperative complications.
De Haas-Shubnikov oscillations in the hall effect in arsenic

Abstract Measurements of the Hall effect in a single crystal of arsenic at liquid helium temperatures have shown quantum oscillations superimposed upon the gross effect. The oscillation amplitude represents 2 percent of the total voltage at 20 kG and is seen to arise from Landau quantization of a band of holes.
Healthcare Workers’ Hand Microbiome May Mediate Carriage of Hospital Pathogens

One function of skin microbiota is to resist colonization and infection by external microorganisms. We sought to detect whether the structure of the hand microbiota of 34 healthcare workers (HCW) in a surgical intensive care unit mediates or modifies the relationship between demographic and behavioral factors and potential pathogen carriage on hands after accounting for pathogen exposure. We used a taxonomic screen (16S rRNA) to characterize the bacterial community, and qPCR to detect presence of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Candida albicans on their dominant hands. Hands were sampled weekly over a 3-week period. Age, hand hygiene, and work shift were significantly associated with potential pathogen carriage and the associations were pathogen dependent. Additionally, the overall hand microbiota structure was associated with the carriage of potential pathogens. Hand microbiota community structure may act as a biomarker of pathogen carriage, and modifying that structure may potentially limit pathogen carriage among HCW.
Capturing [11C]CO2 for use in aqueous applications

We present a simple method for trapping [(11)C]CO2 gas and releasing it into a buffered solution using an ion-exchange cartridge. Sodium hydroxide cartridges captured >99% of [(11)C]CO2 following NaOH activation. A sodium bicarbonate solution eluted >99% of trapped radioactivity. Trapping [(11)C]CO2 directly in small volumes of several solutions was less effective than cartridge methods. The recommended methods allow for fast and simple production of highly concentrated carbon-11 containing aqueous solutions for use in filling phantoms, calibrating detectors, or (bio)geochemical experiments.
Developing a Web‐Based Education and Counseling Program for Heart Failure Patients

This paper describes a 2-phase method utilized to develop and evaluate the feasibility of a Web-based program targeted to the specific learning needs of elderly patients with heart failure. In the first phase, informational resources specific to the needs of elderly patients were identified using aspects of participant-focused research. Data from 69 patients were obtained through a structured interview and later reviewed with health care providers and patient representatives. Items deemed important by the patients and health care providers were incorporated into the Internet-based program that was drafted for the study. The second phase of the process entailed obtaining data to support the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention by providing 12 patient volunteers access to the Internet-based program that was developed. After 2 weeks, the authors contacted the volunteers and asked them about their experiences with accessing and navigating the Web page. The authors found that elderly persons with limited computer skills can and will use Web resources to obtain information when given adequate instructions on how to access the Web pages.
Propagation in cylindrically symmetric two-dimensional nonlinear media

Abstract We present a transformation that reduces the (2+1)-dimensional nonlinear Schrodinger equation to a second-order ordinary differential equation with cylindrical symmetry. The equation has a family of solutions, valid for both normal and anomalous dispersion, that is an oscillating and exponentially decaying function of the radial coordinate. The solution takes the appearance of a bright central spot surrounded by a dark ring whose radius increases with propagation distance. A simple algebraic relationship between the radius and the propagation distance is given.
Do malaria parasites follow the algebra of sex ratio theory

The ratio of male to female gametocytes seen in infections of Plasmodium and related haemosporidian parasites varies substantially, both within and among parasite species. Sex ratio theory, a mainstay of evolutionary biology, accounts for this variation. The theory provides an algebraic solution for the optimal sex ratio that will maximize parasite fitness. A crucial term in this solution is the probability of selfing by clone-mates within the vector (based on the clone number and their relative abundance). Definitive tests of the theory have proven elusive because of technical challenges in measuring clonal diversity within infections. Newly developed molecular methods now provide opportunities to test the theory with an exquisite precision.
Variability of sea surface salinity in stochastically forced systems

The influences of horizontal advection and horizontal diffusion on the variability of sea surface salinity in stochastically forced systems are investigated. Basic ideas are developed using a two dimensional box model and then extended to a more realistic three dimensional ocean general circulation model. It is shown that, in the absence of advection and diffusion, the ocean response is essentially that predicted by Taylor's random walk model. Advection becomes important when the advective time scale is less than the response time of the mixed layer to the stochastic forcing. Advection of parcels from regions of upwelling into regions of downwelling limits their exposure time to the stochastic forcing and thus the maximum attainable variance in the system (variance increases linearly with time). Regions of upwelling and downwelling may be introduced through the thermohaline overturning circulation or by the wind driven Ekman transport, depending on the specific model configuration. Horizontal diffusion is found to be important when the diffusive time scale is less than the mixed layer response time. The primary role of diffusion is to reduce the effective stochastic forcing through rapid mixing of uncorrelated surface forcing events. Because sea surface salinity does not have a negative feedback with the atmosphere, it is more strongly influenced by weak horizontal processes than sea surface temperature (SST). Accurate knowledge of the stochastic forcing amplitude, decorrelation time, and length scale and distribution are critical to model the variance of sea surface salinity. Aspects of the ocean model which strongly influence the variability of sea surface salinity include the surface velocity, horizontal diffusivity, and the mixed layer depth. Implications on modeling of the ocean and coupled ocean-atmosphere systems are discussed.
Fire resistance furnace temperature measurements : Plate thermometers vs shielded thermocouples

This paper presents and discusses the results of fire resistance furnace temperature measurements using Plate Thermometers and shielded thermocouples as well as the heat exposure measurements to a test specimen in full-scale floor and wall furnaces. Comparisons of furnace temperature measured by the shielded thermocouples and by the Plate Thermometers, as well as heat exposure to a test specimen in floor and wall furnaces controlled by either the shielded thermocouples or by the Plate Thermometers, are presented.
Depth-resolved detection of electrokinetic effects in cartilage using differential phase sensitive optical coherence tomography

Osteoarthritis is a heterogeneous disease characterized by progressive loss of cartilage. The earliest biochemical features, which precede gross pathological changes, include non-uniform loss of proteoglycans associated with increase of water content in tissue and finally, fibrillation of the tissue's collagen network. Loss of proteoglycans decreases the ability of cartilage to withstand compressive loading and makes the tissue softer and more susceptible to wear and fibrilation. If the early loss of proteoglycans is detectable by a non-invasive optical technique, progression of the disease may be arrested using, for example, pharmacologic or surgical intervention. When an electric field is applied to cartilage by an electrical stimulator, the current-generated stress gradients are produced and stress deformation occurs. Since differential phase optical coherence tomography is very sensitive to subsurface stress deformation, we propose to stimulate cartilage electrically and detect stress gradients before gross signs of cartilage degeneration appear. Detection of depth-resolved electromechanical stress gradients in cartilage using differential phase optical coherence tomography may be useful to monitor non-invasively cartilage degeneration. Since the streaming potential and other electrokinetic effects in cartilage are directly proportional to proteoglycan density, application of an electric field in cartilage combined with depth-resolved phase sensitive optical measurements may provide a sensitive indicator of cartilage viability on the molecular-level.
Early Identification of Exacerbations in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Frequent exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) place a considerable burden on the health care system and are a major cause of decreased health-related quality of life, accelerated pulmonary decline, and mortality in individual patients. Primary care physicians are usually the first point of contact for patients experiencing an exacerbation and are therefore best placed to prevent, identify, and treat these events in a timely manner. This review addresses the triggers and risk factors for COPD exacerbations, including the exacerbation-prone phenotype. The prevention, prompt diagnosis, and early appropriate pharmacological/nonpharmacological treatment of COPD exacerbations is important, as early recognition of symptoms (as supported by tools for measuring the illness/wellness experience of COPD patients in primary care) and treatment lead to optimal recovery in these patients. The review also highlights the importance of the urgency in identifying exacerbations and the important role played by primary care physicians in the prevention and postexacerbation management of patients with COPD.
H-atom position as pattern-determining factor in arenethiol films

The evolution of a low coverage of benzenethiol molecules on Cu(111) during annealing shows the prevalence of S···H hydrogen bonds involving hydrogen atoms in the ortho position. The row and pattern formation of (methylated) anthracenethiols indicates intermolecular interactions in which hydrogen atoms at the terminal position of the aromatic moiety dominate. In combination, this leads to the notion that pattern formation in classes of arenethiol molecules is each governed by optimization of the intermolecular interactions of the hydrogen atom at one particular position on the arene. This may provide a general guiding principle for the design of arenethiol films.
New structural concepts for narcotic antagonists defined in a 4-phenylpiperidine series

NARCOTIC antagonists are generally considered as N-methyl-cyclopropyl or N-allyl (for example, nalorphine) type derivatives of N-methyl (for example, morphine) agonists. This type of substitution has often been considered necessary for potent narcotic antagonist activity1,2. However, in the 4-phenylpiperidine series (as in meperidine) where a methyl substitution on the nitrogen has been associated with agonist activity, the substitution of an N-allyl derivative has not produced narcotic antagonists3–5. There are compounds, such as L-metazocine6,7 and profadol8, which contain a methyl-substituted basic nitrogen, and possess narcotic antagonist properties, but these are also agonists and their antagonist activity is relatively weak. During the pharmacological investigation of a new series of phenylpiperidines we discovered an N-methyl derivative that was a pure narcotic antagonist devoid of agonist effects. We also observed that nitrogen substituents that had increased agonist potency in the meperidine series9 when substituted in compounds of the present series surprisingly augmented antagonist potency to the level observed with naloxone4. Examination of the inhibition of specific 3H-naloxone binding of these derivatives in bovine striatal membranes demonstrated that their relative potency was due to differences in receptor interaction. We used the most potent member of the series to study its stereoselectivity. We report here the structure-activity relationships of some 1,3,4-trialkyl-4-phenylpiperidines that clearly demonstrate the importance of a 3-methyl substituent in contributing narcotic antagonist properties within the phenyl-piperidine series as a whole. These compounds may well represent the first new class of pure narcotic antagonists since the discovery of naloxone.
Maturity and quality of alfalfa as affected by phosphorus fertility

Abstract Environmental stresses adversely affect alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) forage quality through altered plant development; however, the effects of soil nutrient stress on forage quality are not well known. The objective of this study was to determine what effect low soil phosphorus (P) had on alfalfa forage quality. Three preplant incorporated rates of P (0, 29, or 59 kg/ha) followed by five topdressed (during each production year) rates of P (0, 7, 15, 29, or 59 kg/ha)were applied to alfalfa established in two experiments in fall of 1988 and 1989. At each harvest in 1989 and 1990, mean stage by weight (MSW) was determined and forage samples were taken for neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) analysis. In the 0‐ to 15‐cm soil layer, soil P concentrations averaged 6, 11, and 22 mg/kg of dry soil with 0, 29, and 59 kg P, respectively, incorporated. Soil P was not changed in the 15‐ to 30‐cm soil layer. Alfalfa herbage increased in P concentration with increasing P fertil...
Effects of aflatoxin B, on distribution of Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn in rat tissues

The role of aflatoxin B/sub 1/ in trace element metabolism in animals is investigated. Two experiments were conducted using atomic absorption for determining the distribution of Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn in liver, kidney, spleen, and pancreas. The results indicated body weight loss during aflatoxicosis is dose related and may be due in part to reduced body fat. It remains to be determined whether the redistribution of the metals, especially the massive influx of Fe into the liver, is the actual toxic factor in aflatoxicosis that leads to sickness and death. The preliminary results reported indicate that the effect is a complex problem involving not only a redistribution of the metals but possibly some hormonal action as well. (CAJ)
Aberrant Vascular Anatomy to the Small Finger

f t a t d a s t t uring a palmer approach to the small finger to repair the flexor digitorum profundus tendon a vessel was encountered crossing the flexor heath. The vessel originated from the radial digital rtery and crossed the flexor sheath at the distal margin f the A2 pulley. The vessel caliber was equivalent to he proper radial digital artery. The vessel was joined by small-caliber ulnar digital artery and then terminated nto small subcutaneous vessels at the level of the roximal interphalangeal joint (Fig. 1). Variations of the palmer arch were documented as arly as 1961. Coleman and Anson described the ascular anatomy of the hand after dissecting 650 adaver specimens. They found a complete arch in 10 (78.4%) hands. In a subset of 265 hands, 5 1.9%) had no common digital vessel to the middle nd ring fingers. As a result, the middle finger had a ingle radial digital vessel from the common digital
Shape memory properties of a two-phase NiAl plus Fe alloy

Abstract The mechanical properties, shape memory properties, microstructure, and phase stability were studied in a two-phase alloy, Ni-25.5Al-16Fe-0.14B (at.%). Boron improved the grain-boundary strength, while iron improved the cleavage strength resulting in about 7% room temperature ductility. Two-way shape memory cycling from 100 to 200 °C (Ap = 137 °C as measured by differential scanning calorimetry) under a constant load was done as a function of load and tensile prestrain and typically resulted in a recoverable length change of 0.6%. However, after approximately 2000 cycles the shape memory length changes decreased to a level approximately offsetting thermal expansion (about 0.15%). Some of this loss could be recovered by restraining. After this cycling treatment or after 10 days at 100 °C or 200 °C, the room temperature ductility decreased, and transmission electron microscopy examination at 200 °C showed a tweed appearance in some B2 regions apparently due to the formation of a precursor to Ni5Al3 phase is necessary for producing a practical high transformation temperature shape memory alloy based on NiAl.
Cholesterol transport and uptake in miniature swine fed vegetable and animal fats and proteins. 2. LDL uptake and cholesterol distribution in tissues

In a 2 X 2 factorial arrangement, miniature pigs were fed four diets containing vegetable protein/fat (soybean) and animal protein (egg white)/fat (beef tallow) to demonstrate the effects of protein and fat source on tissue cholesterol concentrations, uptake of intact low density lipoproteins (LDL) and free cholesterol exchange from LDL to tissues. Soybean oil feeding, compared with beef tallow feeding, resulted in greater concentrations of cholesterol in aorta, heart, and large and small intestines. Similar trends were seen in liver, adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Dietary protein source had little or no effect on tissue cholesterol concentrations. Uptake of intact LDL, as measured by using [14C]sucrose-LDL, tended to be greater in pigs fed soybean oil or soy protein. Net exchange of free cholesterol from LDL, as measured with [3H]cholesterol, tended to be greater when vegetable products were fed. Relative contributions of whole tissues to total uptake by either mechanism were not influenced by diet. Mechanisms in addition to uptake of cholesterol from LDL seem to be involved in the greater accumulation of tissue cholesterol resulting from polyunsaturated fat feeding.
Analysis of oxidation of the membrane potential probe, Di-S-C3(5), during granulocyte activation

Abstract Measurement of membrane potential with the fluorescent probe, Di-S-C3(5), suggests that the chemotactic factor, FMLP causes a rapid depolarization followed by an apparent hyperpolarization of human granulocytes. This apparent hyperpolarization seems to be an artifact due to oxidation of Di-S-C3(5) by a reactive product of the H2O2 and myeloperoxidase secreted from activated granulocytes. The artifactual decrease in fluorescence can be prevented by addition of a H2O2 scavenger, catalase, or an antioxidant, ascorbate. The calcium ionophore, A23187, causes depolarization but no hyperpolarization of human granulocytes because of its failure to stimulate the release of H2O2. Ouabain prevents the delayed hyperpolarization in response to FMLP. Ouabain acts via the Na-K pump to inhibit FMLP-stimulated release of peroxidase from human granulocytes. We conclude that assays of membrane potential should be conducted in the presence of 1 × 10−4 M ascorbate to prevent oxidation of the fluorescent probe, Di-S-C3(5).
Unexplained pulmonary hypertension is associated with systolic arterial hypertension in patients undergoing routine Doppler echocardiography.

Study objective To determine the validity of the association between systemic hypertension (HTN) and unexplained pulmonary hypertension (PHTN) as identified with Doppler echocardiography. Methods All patients with a reported systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) on routine Doppler echocardiography from our 1997 echocardiographic database were identified. Exclusions included all diseases known to be associated with PHTN. Of 1,174 patients, 503 had PHTN (defined as a SPAP of ≥ 40 mm Hg), of whom 42 (8.4%) had unexplained PHTN. These PHTN patients were matched for age (mean [± SD] age, 70 ± 11 years) with 84 randomly selected patients from the same database who had normal SPAP values and no diseases associated with PHTN. Results The mean SPAP of those patients with unexplained PHTN was 48 ± 9 mm Hg vs 31 ± 5 mm Hg for those without unexplained PHTN. HTN was more prevalent in those with PHTN (98% vs 72%, respectively; p = 0.0008). Patients with unexplained PHTN had significantly higher mean systolic BP, as routinely measured at the end of the echo (154 ± 26 vs 138 ± 21 mm Hg, respectively; p = 0.0006), but they did not differ in diastolic BP (80 ± 14 vs 78 ± 11 mm Hg, respectively; p = 0.39). PHTN patients and control subjects did not differ with respect to gender (women, 74% vs 70%, respectively), race (white, 64% vs 65%, respectively), body mass index (30 ± 8 vs 28 ± 8 kg/m 2 , respectively), or left ventricular ejection fraction (64 ± 6% vs 63 ± 7%, respectively). When only those with known HTN were considered, PHTN patients still had higher systolic arterial BP (155 ± 25 vs 143 ± 21 mm Hg, respectively; p = 0.013) and tended to be on more BP medications (1.6 ± 1.1 vs 1.2 ± 0.9, respectively; p = 0.09). Conclusions Unexplained PHTN occurs mostly in the elderly, is associated with systolic HTN, and those hypertensive patients with concomitant PHTN have higher systolic arterial pressures.
Long-wave ultraviolet light induces phospholipase activation in cultured human epidermal keratinocytes

Abstract Long wave ultraviolet radiation (UVA) has been shown to play an important role in the overall response of skin to solar radiation, including sunburn, tanning, premature aging, and non-melanoma skin cancer. UVA induction of inflammation in human skin is thought to be mediated by membrane lipid derived products. In order to investigate the mechanism of this response we examined the effect of UVA on phospholipid metabolism of human epidermal keratinocytes in culture. Keratinocytes were grown in serum free low calcium medium. The cells were prelabeled with [ 3 H]arachidonic acid or [ 3 H]choline and irradiated with UVA (Honle 2002-Hg vapor lamp). Identification and quantitation of specific membrane phospholipid-derived components was achieved using high-performance liquid chromatography, paper chromatography, and radioimmunoassay. UVA resulted in a linear dose dependent release of [ 3 H]arachidonic acid into medium between 1 and 20 joule/cm 2 . This response was inhibited in an oxygen-reduced environment. The radiolabel released was predominately free arachidonate and cyclooxygenase metabolites. Cyclooxygenase metabolites prostaglandin E 2 and prostacyclin derivative, 6keto-prostaglandin F 12 , were stimulated following UVA irradiation, but the lipoxygenase metabolite, leukotriene B 4 was not detected. Maximal release was measured immediately after irradiation and changed little over 24 h post-irradiation. UVA stimulated an increase of [ 3 H]choline metabolites glycerophosphorylcholine and phosphorylcholine in media extracts suggesting UVA activation of phospholipase C and phospholipase A 2 or diacylglyceride lipase.
Cultural Politics and Vocational Religious Education: The Case of Turkey.

The ‘project of modernity’ that has transformed every aspect of Turkish society since the founding of the new republic in 1923 has been increasingly questioned and scrutinized in recent decades. Meanwhile, Islam has reasserted itself to become a real force in contemporary Turkish politics with ambiguous implications for long‐term social integration and political stability. Controversies surrounding religious education in general, and the Imam‐Hatip (prayer‐leader/preacher) schools in particular, exemplify the ‘cultural politics’ that has been going on between the secularists and the Islamists in Turkey. This article examines whether the Imam‐Hatip schools in the long run can play a positive role in the promotion of a broader educated Muslim base enabling the secular and the Islamic domains to cohabit successfully, or a negative role in which the schools are viewed as producing a new generation of Islamists resisting the secular establishment, thereby deepening the secularist‐Islamist divide.
Cellular distribution of cytochrome P-450E in winter flounder liver with degenerative and neoplastic disease

Abstract A characteristic hepatic pathology is highly prevalent in winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) from Boston Harbor. Here we report initial evaluation of the cellular expression of a cytochrome P-450E analog in normal and diseased winter flounder liver using immunohistochemical analysis with MAb 1-12-3, a monoclonal antibody specific for P-450E. Cytochrome P-450E (P-450IAI) is the polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)- and polychlorinated biphenyl-inducible form of P-450 from scup (Stenotomus chrysops). MAb 1-12-3 was first applied to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of control and 3,3,4,4-tetrachlorobiphenyl-treated scup liver using an indirect peroxidase staining technique to visualize antibody binding. The results demonstrated specific positive staining of hepatocytes, bile and pancreatic duct epithelium and endothelium for P-450E, confirming utility of MAb 1-12-3 in analysis of fixed tissue. Subsequent analysis of archival winter flounder liver also demonstrated positive staining of hepatocytes. No staining of abnormally vacuolated cells was present in any of the fish; however, nodules of such cells occasionally contained islands of intensely staining cells of unknown origin. The cellular distribution of P-450E demonstrated here indicates a metabolic heterogeneity which could influence the responses of different cell types to subsequent or continued exposure to PAH or other hepatotoxins.
Holmium:YAG (λ = 2,120 nm) versus thulium fiber (λ = 1,908 nm) laser lithotripsy

Introduction The holmium:YAG laser is currently the most common laser lithotripter. However, recent experimental studies have demonstrated that the thulium fiber laser is also capable of vaporizing urinary stones. The high-temperature water absorption coefficient for the thulium wavelength (µa = 160 cm−1 at λ = 1,908 nm) is significantly higher than for the holmium wavelength (µa = 28 cm−1 at λ = 2,120 nm). We hypothesize that this should translate into more efficient laser lithotripsy using the thulium fiber laser. This study directly compares stone vaporization rates for holmium and thulium fiber lasers. Methods Holmium laser radiation pulsed at 3 Hz with 70 mJ pulse energy and 220 microseconds pulse duration was delivered through a 100-µm-core silica fiber to human uric acid (UA) and calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) stones, ex vivo (n = 10 each). Thulium fiber laser radiation pulsed at 10 Hz with 70 mJ pulse energy and 1-millisecond pulse duration was also delivered through a 100-µm fiber for the same sets of 10 stones each. Results For the same number of pulses and total energy (126 J) delivered to each stone, the mass loss averaged 2.4±0.6 mg (UA) and 0.7±0.2 mg (COM) for the holmium laser and 12.6±2.5 mg (UA) and 6.8±1.7 (COM) for the thulium fiber laser. Conclusions UA and COM stone vaporization rates for the thulium fiber laser averaged 5–10 times higher than for the holmium laser at 70 mJ pulse energies. With further development, the thulium fiber laser may represent an alternative to the conventional holmium laser for more efficient laser lithotripsy. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:232–236, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Structural cloud audits that protect private information

As organizations and individuals have begun to rely more and more heavily on cloud-service providers for critical tasks, cloud-service reliability has become a top priority. It is natural for cloud-service providers to use redundancy to achieve reliability. For example, a provider may replicate critical state in two data centers. If the two data centers use the same power supply, however, then a power outage will cause them to fail simultaneously; replication per se does not, therefore, enable the cloud-service provider to make strong reliability guarantees to its users. Zhai et al.[socc-submission] present a system, which they refer to as a structural-reliability auditor (SRA), that uncovers common dependencies in seemingly disjoint cloud-in\-fra\-struc\-tu\-ral components (such as the power supply in the example above) and quantifies the risks that they pose. In this paper, we focus on the need for structural-reliability auditing to be done in a privacy-preserving manner. We present a privacy-preserving structural-reliability auditor (P-SRA), discuss its privacy properties, and evaluate a prototype implementation built on the Sharemind SecreC platform[SecreC]. P-SRA is an interesting application of secure multi-party computation (SMPC), which has not often been used for graph problems. It can achieve acceptable running times even on large cloud structures by using a novel data-partitioning technique that may be useful in other applications of SMPC.
Sudden death and acute myocardial infarction in a metropolitan area, 1970-1980. The Minnesota Heart Survey

Abstract To determine the causes of the nationwide decline in deaths due to coronary heart disease, the Minnesota Heart Survey enumerated coronary deaths among persons 30 to 74 years old in Minneapolis–St. Paul. The survey also ascertained rates of hospitalization and case fatality during hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction. For deaths occurring between 1970 and 1978 that were due to coronary heart disease, the rates outside the hospital declined by 43 per cent in men and 40 per cent in women, and the rates in hospital emergency rooms increased by 311 per cent in men and 200 per cent in women. In both these years about two thirds of all such deaths occurred outside hospital wards. Between 1970 and 1980, hospitalization rates for acute infarction in persons 30 to 74 years old declined 8 per cent among men and 26 per cent among women, and case fatality in the hospital in persons 45 to 74 years old declined 29 per cent in men and 27 per cent in women. These changes are probably due to the combine...