cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Open Circuit Voltage in Aluminum Confined Post-Annealing of poly(3-hexylthiophene)/fullerene Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells under Electric Field

The effect of an external electric field during post-annealing on the device characteristics of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and phenyl-C61butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) bulk heterojunction solar cells was studied. The application of external electric field in forward bias resulted in significant enhancement in Voc and fill factor whereas devices annealed under reverse bias had an enhanced Jsc. Both forward and reverse bias annealing increased the shunt resistance. The Al - blend interface topography and carrier dynamics were studied using conducting atomic force microscopy and frequency dependent intensity modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS). The results indicate that post-annealing under external electric field can be used to engineer the interface composition to enhance the charge transport in bulk heterojunction solar cells to improve the device performance.
Cytochrome P450 lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51): insights from molecular genetic analysis of the ERG11 gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Eukaryotes characteristically express a cytochrome P450-catalyzed sterol 14α-methyl demethylase as an essential step in the production of membrane sterols. Lanosterol 14α-demethylase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the best characterized representative of these enzymes among fungi and provides a model system for the molecular genetic analysis of the reaction. The gene for this P450 and the gene for the S. cerevisiae NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase have been examined by mutational inactivation and for their regulation of expression. Our results have contributed to a better understanding of sterol biosynthesis in relation to mechanisms of resistance to fungicidal demethylase inhibitors, and promote the rationale for using S. cerevisiae in the further characterization of structure function relationships among sterol 14α-demethylases.
A Sharp Interface Model of Intermediate-Phase Growth Under the Influence of Electromigration

A sharp interface model has been developed to model intermediate-phase growth under the influence of electromigration in a binary system. Simulation results show that the phase growth rate depends on both the magnitude and the direction of the applied current. With the current density fixed, at early times, there is a parabolic growth behavior for the intermediate phase, while at longer times, there is a linear phase growth behavior when the electron flow aids diffusion of atoms; however, a limiting thickness is found when the electron flow hinders diffusion. Qualitative analysis shows that the longer time behavior also holds in a binary system with multiple intermediate phases present.
Solution- and Adsorbed-State Structural Ensembles Predicted for the Statherin-Hydroxyapatite System

We have developed a multiscale structure prediction technique to study solution- and adsorbed-state ensembles of biomineralization proteins. The algorithm employs a Metropolis Monte Carlo-plus-minimization strategy that varies all torsional and rigid-body protein degrees of freedom. We applied the technique to fold statherin, starting from a fully extended peptide chain in solution, in the presence of hydroxyapatite (HAp) (001), (010), and (100) monoclinic crystals. Blind (unbiased) predictions capture experimentally observed macroscopic and high-resolution structural features and show minimal statherin structural change upon adsorption. The dominant structural difference between solution and adsorbed states is an experimentally observed folding event in statherin's helical binding domain. Whereas predicted statherin conformers vary slightly at three different HAp crystal faces, geometric and chemical similarities of the surfaces allow structurally promiscuous binding. Finally, we compare blind predictions with those obtained from simulation biased to satisfy all previously published solid-state NMR (ssNMR) distance and angle measurements (acquired from HAp-adsorbed statherin). Atomic clashes in these structures suggest a plausible, alternative interpretation of some ssNMR measurements as intermolecular rather than intramolecular. This work demonstrates that a combination of ssNMR and structure prediction could effectively determine high-resolution protein structures at biomineral interfaces.
Impulse testing of distribution transformers under load

The paper describes a new functional test procedure for evaluating the impulse strength of distribution transformers under service-related conditions, including rated voltage, different current levels, and the effect of precipitation. The test procedure was applied to a representative sample of 54 commercial distribution transformers having a 15kV class insulation system. Specimen transformers used in this project were taken from utility stockpiles. The results reported here showed a significant decrease of impulse strength both with increasing load current and with aging under laboratory conditions. The paper thus presents new information pertaining to transformer failures and may contribute to improved distribution transformer design and surge protection practices.
Chlorimuron Adsorption, Desorption, and Degradation in Soils from Conventional Tillage and No-Tillage Systems

No-tillage (NT) and other conservation management practices designed to enhance plant residue accumulation can affect the herbicides fate in soil. This study was designed to evaluate adsorption, desorption, and degradation of chlorimuron [ethyl 2-[[[[(4-chloro-6-methoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]amino] sulfonyl]benzoic acids in soils collected from long-term conventional tillage (CT) and NT plots. Soils were Miami silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, mesic, Typic Hapludalf) and Drummer silty clay loam (fine-silty, mixed, mesic, Typic Endoaquoll) from Illinois, and Dundee silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, thermic Aeric Ochraqualf) from Mississippi. Adsorption was determined on five concentrations of 14 C-chlorimuron (0.22-12.26 μmol kg -1 ) equilibrated for 72 h. Desorption in four cycles (1, 24, 24, and 24 h) was measured for samples initially sorbed at 2.60 μmol kg -1 . Adsorption K f values ranged from 0.56 to 6.53 and were higher in NT compared with CT soils. The N values were less than unity in all soils. Desorption was hysteretic and the total amount desorbed in four desorptions ranged from 18 to 51% of that sorbed. Desorption K f values ranged from 0.60 to 2.74 and were higher in NT compared with CT soils. After 63 d incubation of 14 C-chlorimuron, 44 to 54% of applied remained as extractable chlorimuron and 10 to 16% of applied mineralized to 14 CO 2 among the soils. Half-life of over 2 mo and relatively low mineralization suggests poor adaptability of native microbial populations to chlorimuron as substrate. Differences in the chlorimuron degradation pattern were minor between NT and CT soils, despite NT soils in general having greater organic C, microbial populations, and soil enzyme activity compared with CT soils.
Engineering a waste management enzyme to overcome cancer resistance to apoptosis: adding DNase1 to the anti-cancer toolbox.

Cancer treatment is often complicated by resistance to conventional anti-cancer treatment and to more recently developed immunotherapy and gene therapy. These therapeutic modalities aim at activating death pathways within cancer cells. Attempts to activate the apoptotic death pathway, by overexpressing proapoptotic signals, are compromised by cancer defense mechanisms, which disrupt the apoptotic-signaling cascade downstream of the overexpressed component. Here, we describe a therapeutic option of triggering apoptosis without activating the apoptotic-signaling cascade or using the native apoptosis executioner nuclease. We have engineered Deoxyribonuclease-1 (DNase1), a waste-management enzyme, by deleting its signal peptide, adding a nuclear localization signal, and mutating its actin-binding site. Apoptosis studies and colony-forming assay for assessing cell viability were conducted in apoptosis-resistant Mel-Juso human melanoma cells. The modified DNase1 reduced cell viability by 77% relative to controls. It also induced typical microscopic features of cellular apoptosis, such as Terminal Transferase dUTP Nick-End Labeling-positive cells and DNA fragmentation. Quantification of apoptosis by Laser scanning cytometry demonstrated high-killing efficiency of 70–100%. The results suggest that this modified DNase1 can efficiently eliminate apoptosis-resistant cancer cells through apoptosis. Coupled to different tissue-specific gene expression elements, this recombinant DNase1 may serve as a platform for eliminating a variety of cancer types.
Propolis decreases lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory mediators in pulp cells and osteoclasts

Background Intracanal medicaments are used to disinfect the root canal system, reduce interappointment pain and inflammation, and prevent resorption. Bacterial components such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are implicated in the development of pulpal and periapical inflammation and inducing osteoclastogenesis. Propolis is a natural, non-toxic substance collected from bee's wax that has been used for many years in folk medicine. Propolis has been demonstrated to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Our previous studies have shown that propolis inhibits osteoclast maturation. However, the effect of propolis on the inflammatory response of pulp cells and osteoclasts has not been explored. Aim The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether propolis alters the inflammatory response of three endodontically relevant cell lines: mouse odontoblast-like cells (MDPC-23), macrophages (RAW264.7), and osteoclasts. Material and methods Cells were exposed to 0–20 ug ml−1 LPS to induce an inflammatory response, in the presence of propolis or vehicle control. Culture supernatants were collected after 6 and 24 h, and expression of multiple soluble mediators was determined using Luminex® multiplex technology. Results Propolis was effective in reducing secretion of the LPS-induced inflammatory cyto/chemokines: IL-1α, IL-6, IL-12(p70), IL-15, G-CSF, TNF-α, MIP-1α, MCP-1, and IP-10. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that propolis suppresses the LPS-induced inflammatory response of key cells within the root canal system.
Mechanical revascularization of acute iatrogenic anterior cerebral artery occlusions: use of a new coaxial dual-lumen balloon catheter results in rapid access and flow restoration

Acute iatrogenic occlusion of cerebral vessels is a risk during the performance of neuroendovascular procedures. Most commonly this is a result of thrombus formation within the vessel, thromboembolism or an acute vasospastic response. There are several options for flow restoration including pharmacological, mechanical and microsurgical. Mechanical flow restoration, usually by thrombectomy, is typically performed in large cerebral vessels. Current mechanical thrombectomy devices have limited utility in smaller vessels that are more difficult to access, such as the anterior cerebral artery (ACA). We present two cases where successful flow restoration of an intraoperative acutely occluded or thrombotic ACA was rapidly achieved by balloon dilation using a new coaxial dual-lumen balloon catheter. The time elapsed from the decision to use the balloon catheter until revascularization for each patient was 5 min and 46 s (case 1) and 10 min and 25 s (case 2).
"An Excellent Core": Rutgers Milton Collection

Perrone describes the history of the Milton Collection at Rutgers University Libraries and provides a checklist of it.
Direct detection of carcinoembryonic antigen autoantibodies in clinical human serum samples using a surface plasmon resonance sensor

The ability to detect biomarkers in human serum is important for cancer diagnostics. The work presented focuses on the establishment of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor as a means for detecting varying levels of autoantibody biomarkers in human serum samples. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a biomarker that is present in human serum. It is thought that CEA levels become elevated in patients with colon and ovarian cancer, causing a corresponding increase in the autoantibody level in human serum. Detection of this CEA autoantibody increase could be used to diagnose cancer in patients. Using a SPR biosensor, human serum samples were screened directly for CEA antibody levels. Results using a sandwich assay with a SPR sensor demonstrated the same linear trend as seen from an established enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Serum samples from five healthy individuals were used to establish a threshold value for differentiating a cancerous serum sample from a negative sample with a 95% confidence. Three serum samples from cancer patients with positive CEA antibody levels as evaluated by ELISA were used to test the criterion.
Future disposition and suicidal ideation: Mediation by depressive symptom clusters

Abstract Background In line with hopelessness theory, both increased negative expectancies and reduced positive expectancies for the future have been associated with suicidal ideation. This study evaluated two depression symptom clusters as mediators of the relationship between future disposition and suicide: subjective feelings of depression and self-blame. Methods Data from 140 undergraduate students with moderate to severe depression symptoms are presented who completed the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation, Beck Depression Inventory, and the Future Disposition Inventory. Results On mediation analysis, subjective depression mediated the relationship between positive disposition and suicidal ideation. In contrast, the relationship between negative disposition and suicidal ideation was mediated by self-blame. The reverse of these relationships was not significant. Limitations This is a cross-sectional study of an undergraduate sample and results warrant replication in clinical samples with clinician-administered assessments. Conclusions Findings suggest two potential pathways to suicidal thoughts with implications for assessment and treatment. Depressed individuals with few positive expectations of the future may benefit from interventions focusing on subjective depression symptoms, such as sadness or anhedonia. For depressed individuals with negative expectations for the future, a clinical focus on negative attributions or self-blame may be warranted.
Quantized fields and temperature in charged dilatonic black hole spacetimes

The stress-energy tensor of a quantized scalar field is computed in the reduced two-dimensional charged dilatonic black hole spacetime of Garfinkle, Horowitz, and Strominger. In order for the stress-energy of quantized fields to be regular on the event horizon in both the extreme string metric and the conformally associated physical metric, it is necessary to assign a nonzero temperature, T = (8 pi e^{phi_0} M)^{-1}, to the extreme string metric, contrary to the expectation that this horizonless spacetime would have a natural temperature of zero.
Spectrophotometric pH measurements of surface seawater at in-situ conditions: absorbance and protonation behavior of thymol blue

The proton exchange behavior of thymol blue (HI− ⇔ I2− + H+) and the molar absorbance characteristics of unprotonated (I2−) and protonated (HI−) forms of this indicator make thymol blue particularly well suited to pH observations in the upper ocean. In-situ Spectrophotometric measurements of seawater pH using sulfonephthalein indicators require assessment of the influence of temperature on indicator molar absorbance characteristics and the influence of temperature and salinity on indicator equilibrium characteristics. Our investigation of the physical/chemical behavior of thymol blue indicates that seawater pH can be described using the following equation: pHT = pK2 + log(R − e1e2 − R · e3) where pHT = − log[H+]T, [H+]T = [H+] + [HSO4−], K2 − [H+]T[I2−][HI−]−, R =596A435A (where λA is absorbance at wavelength λ), and pK2 = 4.706 ST+ 26.3300 − 7.172181ogT − 0.017316 × Se1= − 0.00132 + 1.600 × 10−5Te2 = 7.2326 − 0.0299717T+ 4.600 × 10−5 T2e3 = 0.0223 + 0.0003917 T Using the equations given above, K2 and [H+]T are expressed in units of molkg-soln.
Alcohol expectancies among male alcoholics, problem drinkers, and nonproblem drinkers.

Drinkers' expectancies regarding alcohol effects are cognitive factors hypothesized to affect decisions to drink and responses to alcohol. Recent research in this area has yielded descriptive data mostly on nonalcoholic drinkers' motives for drinking and alcohol expectancies. Much less attention has been focused on assessing the extent to which these findings generalize to a broader array of drinkers. Alcohol expectancies were assessed in this report among 260 alcoholics, 79 problem drinkers, and 81 nonproblem drinkers (all subjects were male) using a comprehensive alcohol expectancy measure. Alcoholics almost uniformly scored higher than the problem and nonproblem drinkers in their endorsements of alcohol's effects in different domains (e.g., alcohol acts as a global positive transforming agent, enhances physical and social pleasure, engenders asser-tiveness, reduces tension). Problem drinkers also tended to score higher than the nonproblem drinkers in these domains. A multiple discriminant analysis yielded two functions which together were moderately successful in classifying these subjects according to drinker group. Taken together, these data suggest that important individual differences exist in drinkers' expectations regarding alcohol's utility, and that alcohol expectancies vary considerably as a function of problem drinking severity. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
The superior's reinforcing behavior as a function of reinforcements received

Abstract The relationship between a superior's own reinforcements and the subsequent reinforcements administered to a subordinate are investigated. Utilizing a simulated production/cost decision task and a symmetrical nonsaddle point decisional matrix design, data were collected on the economic and evaluative reinforcing behaviors of 126 subjects for 50 trials per subject. Two experimental conditions were evaluated differing only with respect to the reinforcement power of the superior. The findings suggest a significant differential use of positive and negative reinforcements, and of economic and evaluative reinforcements. In addition, a superior's reinforcing behavior was found to be significantly affected by conditions in which he must share reinforcement power with another superior. Reciprocity considerations were also tested, and were questioned as to their applicability in the negative range of outcomes. Several implications for administrative practice and future research are discussed.
Electron Affinities of Silicon Hydrides: SiHn (n = 0−4) and Si2Hn (n = 0−6)

The molecular structures and electron affinities of the SiHn/SiHn- (n = 1−4) and Si2Hn/Si2Hn- (n = 0−6) molecules, as well as the silicon atom, have been investigated using density functional theory (DFT) and hybrid Hartree−Fock/density functional theory. Specifically, four different types of electron affinities are reported in this work: the adiabatic electron affinity (EAad), zero-point corrected EAad (EAzero), the vertical electron affinity (EAvert), and vertical detachment energy (VDE). The basis set used in this work is of double-ζ plus polarization quality with additional s- and p-type diffuse functions, and is denoted as DZP++. Of the six different density functionals used in this work, the BHLYP functional predicted the best molecular structures, and the B3LYP functional predicted the best electron affinities. When compared to the available six experimental electron affinities, the B3LYP functional has an average absolute error of just 0.06 eV. We predict the unknown electron affinities for Si2H2...
Organizational Context and Readiness for Change: A Study of Community-Based Parenting Programs in One Midwestern City

Efficacious parent training programs are available, yet the gap between research and practice persists. Organizational factors influence the adoption and implementation of new treatments; however, little is known about social service agencies' organizational context and readiness for change. Twenty-one program directors (PDs) and 25 practitioners employed by 19 agencies providing parent training in a moderate-sized Midwestern city were surveyed to begin to fill this gap. PDs and practitioners had similar perceptions of agency culture and climate, and little interagency variation was evident. The atmosphere for adopting and implementing efficacious parent programs appeared favorable, although agencies may not feel sufficient pressure to change. Potential barriers to change and areas for future research are discussed.
Stochastic, stage-specific mechanisms account for the variegation of a human globin transgene

The random insertion of transgenes into the genomic DNA of mice usually leads to widely variable levels of expression in individual founder lines. To study the mechanisms that cause variegation, we designed a transgene that we expected to variegate, which consisted of a beta-globin locus control region 5' HS-2 linked in tandem to a tagged human beta-globin gene (into which a Lac-Z cassette had been inserted). All tested founder lines exhibited red blood cell-specific expression, but levels of expression varied >1000-fold from the lowest to the highest expressing line. Most of the variation in levels of expression appeared to reflect differences in the percentage of cells in the peripheral blood that expressed the transgene, which ranged from 0.3% in the lowest expressing line to 88% in the highest; the level of transgene expression per cell varied no more than 10-fold from the lowest to the highest expressing line. These differences in expression levels could not be explained by the location of transgene integration, by an effect of beta-galactosidase on red blood cell survival, by the half life of the beta-galactosidase enzyme or by the age of the animals. The progeny of all early erythroid progenitors (BFU-E colony-forming cells) exhibited the same propensity to variegate in methylcellulose-based cultures, suggesting that the decision to variegate occurs after the BFU-E stage of erythroid differentiation. Collectively, these data suggest that variegation in levels of transgene expression are due to local, integration site-dependent phenomena that alter the probability that a transgene will be expressed in an appropriate cell; however, these local effects have a minimal impact on the transgene's activity in the cells that initiate transcription.
Electrocardiographic changes occurring during treatment with fuadin solution

Abstract 1. 1. Of twenty-five patients receiving a course of fuadin therapy for schistosomiasis, twenty showed decrease in voltage of the T waves of the electrocardiogram. 2. 2. These changes occurred early (60 per cent after the third injection) and were reversible, regressing in three or more weeks. 3. 3. The ventricular gradient in one patient was analyzed and showed a definite shift in direction.
Treatment of Zygomatic Complex Fractures with Steinmann Pins

Head and Neck Surgery Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center JSalinas@mednet.ucla.edu This case series presents an update on our experience treating zygomatiomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures through closed reduction, using a Steinmann pin. In order to gather data, charts for twenty-three consecutive patients with ZMC fractures presenting to the Otolaryngology-HNS Department at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center from 2005 to 2009 were reviewed. Of the twenty-three patients, twelve patients had sufficient data for analysis. Average operative time was significantly lower for patients treated via the closed technique as compared to the open technique: 65.3 minutes and 162.5 minutes (p = 0.02). Additionally, only a single one-centimeter incision was required with the closed-repair system versus several incisions using traditional methods. Treatment of Zygomatic Complex Fractures with Steinmann Pins Jonathan B. Salinas, M.D.; Darshni Vira, M.D.; David Hu, M.D.; Maie St. John M.D., Ph.D. Division of Head and Neck Surgery Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
Worldwide systems engineering

IBM systems engineering celebrates its 25th anniversary in 1985. This paper provides a perspective of the part systems engineering has played in the success of IBM in the information processing business during that 25-year period. The history of systems engineering is briefly reviewed, and the similarities and differences in worldwide systems engineer functions are examined. The relationships among marketing, systems engineering, and customers are discussed. Also discussed are career paths for systems engineers. Expectations and challenges for systems engineering in the future are explored.
Isolation and characterization of a monoclonal human thyroidperoxidase autoantibody of lambda light chain type

Abstract Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) autoantibodies, a hallmark of human autoimmune thyroid disease, may have kappa or lambda light chains. Monoclonal human TPO autoantibodies with kappa light chains have previously been developed by cloning and expressing “combinatorial” libraries of immunoglobulin genes in bacteria. In the present study, an IgG1/lambda combinatorial library was generated from thyroid cDNA of a Graves' patient whose serum contained lambda TPO antibodies. Screening the bacteriophage library with 125I-TPO yielded one clone, TR1.41. The oligonucleotide sequence of TR1.41 was determined and the nature of its interaction with TPO was investigated. The affinity of TR1.41 for TPO is high (Kd ∼ 10t-9 M), comparable to that of monoclonal kappa TPO autoantibodies derived from the same patient. The genes encoding the heavy and light chains of TR1.41 differ in a number of respects from the closest available germline genes. Such differences are consistent with somatic mutation in a high-affinity antibody. An important characteristic of TR1.41 is its interaction with the immunodominant domain on TPO recognized by ∼ 80% of serum TPO autoantibodies. The frequency of TPO-specific F(ab) generated from the thyroid gland of patient TR was much lower for F(ab) with lambda light chains (1:150000) than for F(ab) with kappa light chains (1:13000). Despite this low frequency, the high affinity of TR1.41 and its recognition of the immunodominant region on TPO indicate that lambda autoantibodies of this type may represent an important constituent of the TPO autoantibody response in man. In conclusion, this is the first report on the molecular cloning and characterization of a thyroid autoantibody of lambda L chain type by the combinatorial library approach.
The Effects of Self-Efficacy on Academic Success of First-Generation College Sophomore Students

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of self-efficacy on academic success of first-generation college sophomore students. The participants in the study consisted of college sophomores from 5 of the 23 California State University campuses. An online College Self-Efficacy Inventory was employed to measure participants’ self-efficacy levels. The study explored four areas: the relationship between self-efficacy scores and academic success as defined by GPA and persistence rates, the academic success and persistence rates between first-generation and second-and-beyond-generation college sophomore students, the effects of the demographic factors of gender and ethnicity on self-efficacy, and the relationship between institution size and self-efficacy. Findings show that self-efficacy beliefs affect GPA and persistence rates of sophomore students and second-generation college sophomores outperform their first-generation peers.
Role of conserved residues within the carboxy phosphate domain of carbamoyl phosphate synthetase.

Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase (CPS) catalyzes the formation of carbamoyl phosphate from glutamine, bicarbonate, and 2 mol of MgATP. The heterodimeric protein is composed of a small amidotransferase subunit and a larger synthetase subunit. The synthetase subunit contains a large tandem repeat for each of the nucleotides used in the overall synthesis of carbamoyl phosphate. A working model for the three-dimensional fold of the carboxy phosphate domain of CPS was constructed on the basis of amino acid sequence alignments and the X-ray crystal structure coordinates for biotin carboxylase and d-alanine:d-alanine ligase. This model was used to select ten residues within the carboxy phosphate domain of CPS for modification and subsequent characterization of the kinetic constants for the mutant proteins. Residues R82, R129, R169, D207, E215, N283, and Q285 were changed to alanine residues; residues E299 and R303 to glutamine; and residue N301 to aspartate. No significant changes in the catalytic constants were o...
17O-Decoupled Proton MR Spectroscopy and Imaging in a Tissue Model

Abstract 17 O-decoupled proton MR spectroscopy and imaging were implemented at 2 T. Their sensitivity and accuracy in vitro were examined using semisolid tissue phantoms doped with H 2 17 O. A double-tuned solenoidal coil was used to irradiate the same volume of 17 O and 1 H nuclei, as well as to facilitate direct calibration of the decoupling power. Decoupling efficiency was optimized as was 17 O detection sensitivity. Decoupling was most efficient at RF amplitudes below 2.5 kHz (expressed as γ[ 17 O] × H 1 ), which is within the limits of the acceptable specific absorption rate. Propagation of error analysis demonstrated that 17 O detection sensitivity is optimal at a TE equal to the T 2 of 17 O-depleted water protons. Based on Meiboom's work, a simple theory was formulated for estimating the transverse relaxivity of H 2 17 O and the proton signal enhancement produced by decoupling. There was excellent agreement between theory and experiment. Overall, 17 O-decoupled spectroscopy and imaging were highly sensitive and accurate in quantifying H 2 17 O in vitro.
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) blocks ovulation by a direct action on the ovary without alteration of ovarian steroidogenesis: lack of a direct effect on ovarian granulosa and thecal-interstitial cell steroidogenesis in vitro

Abstract The main purpose of this study was to investigate the direct effect of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on ovarian function including ovulation and steroidogenesis. In vivo effects of TCDD were investigated on ovulation and alteration of circulating and ovarian steroid hormones in immature hypophysectomized rats (IHR) primed with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). In addition, in vitro effects of TCDD on the steroidogenesis of granulosa cells (GC), theca-interstitial cells (TIC), and whole ovarian dispersates derived from the ovary of IHR were investigated. In the ovulation model, rats were hypophysectomized on Day 23 of age. On Day 26, the IHR were given 20 μg TCDD/kg by gavage. The next day eCG (10 IU) was injected sc to stimulate follicular development. Fifty-two hours after eCG, 10 IU hCG was given to induce ovulation. TCDD (20 μg/kg) blocked ovulation and reduced ovarian weight in IHR. Concentrations of progesterone (P4), androstenedione (A4), and estradiol (E2) in sera and ovaries were not altered by TCDD at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after eCG, except for a two-fold increase in ovarian concentration of A4 at 48 h after TCDD. However, this higher concentration of A4 at 48 h after TCDD did not reflect that of A4 in sera and did not correlate with E2 in either sera or ovaries. In isolated GC from untreated IHR, TCDD (0.1 to 100 nM) had no significant effect on P4 and E2 after stimulation by LH or FSH. In TIC and whole ovarian dispersates containing GC, TIC, and other ovarian cells, TCDD (0.1 to 800 nM) had no effect on A4 and P4 secretion stimulated by LH. Using RT-PCR, AhR mRNA was shown to be expressed constitutively in the whole ovary of IHR with maximum down-regulation at 6 h after TCDD (20 μg/kg). Ovarian CYP1A1 was induced maximally at 6 h after TCDD, whereas CYP1B1 could not be detected. The induction of AhR related genes by TCDD in the ovary implies the existence of AhR-mediated signal transduction pathways. In summary, these results indicate that TCDD does not affect ovulation in IHR by altering ovarian steroidogenesis. It seems that inhibition of ovulation by TCDD is due to processes related to follicular rupture.
Variation in Continence and Potency by Definition

Purpose: The reporting of quality of life outcomes after prostate cancer treatment has improved with the use of validated instruments and third party data collection, and yet widely disparate continence and potency rates persist among providers. We assessed how well various definitions of these outcomes correspond with each other in the same patients. Materials and Methods: A longitudinal cohort of 269 men undergoing radical prostatectomy for early stage prostate cancer completed quality of life questionnaires, including the University of California-Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index. Six definitions of urinary continence and 6 definitions of potency represented by individual or aggregated items in the survey were analyzed. Using 2,506 questionnaires patients meeting the criteria for continence or potency by each definition were compared. Results: Correspondence among continence definitions varied widely. Of the men who reported using no pads only 42% leaked urine not at all. Other definitions had higher rates of concordance with 98% of patients who reported total control also claiming no pads. Correspondence among potency definitions was even more disparate. Only 5% of men with erections firm enough for intercourse reported having morning erection very often, while 61% rated their ability to function sexually as good or very good. Conclusions: Variations in outcomes from items intended to measure the same domain reflect the idiosyncrasy of patient definitions of urinary and erectile function. Disease targeted, health related quality of life outcomes vary greatly depending on the specific definition used.
Observations on the dynamics of a congestion control algorithm: the effects of two-way traffic

We use simulation to study the dynamics of the congestion cent rol algorithm embedded in the BSD 4.3-Tahoe TCP implementation. We investigate the simple case of a few TCP connections, originating and terminating at the same pair of hosts, using a single bottleneck link. This work is an extension of our earlier work ([16]), where one-way traffic (i.e., all of the sources are on the same host and all of the destinations are on the other host) was studied. In this paper we investigate the dynamics that results from two-way traffic (in which there are data sources on both hosts). We find that the one-way traffic clustering and loss-synchronization phenomena d~cussed in [16] persist in this new situation, albeit in a slightly modified form. In addition, there are two new phenomena not present in the earlier study: (1) ACK-compression, which is due to the interaction of data and ACK packets and gives rise to rapid fluctuations in queue length, and (2) an out-of-phase queue-synchronization mode, which keeps link utilization less than optimal even in the limit of very large buffers. These phenomena are helpful in understanding results from an earlier study of network oscillations ([19]).
Opiate receptor binding affected differentially by opiates and opioid peptides

The potencies of various opiates in displacing several 3H-opiates ligands′ binding to rat brain membranes vary depending on the nature of the ligand. Whereas opiate antagonists, as well as the opioid peptides and somes agonists (etorphine, levorphanol and phenazocine) display similar affinities in displacing either 3H-opiate or 3H-methionine enkephalin binding, other agonists (such as morphine and oxymorphone) are considerably (20–50 times) weaker in displacing 3H-enkephalin than 3H-dihydromorphine binding. These agonists also compete for 3H-enkephalin binding with shallow displacement curves, and are greatly weakened in displacing 3H-naloxone binding in the presence of sodium. These agonists differ from the other opiate classes by processing a relatively hydrophilic component in their C-ring moieties which may provide a basis for the differential interactions of drugs with the opiate receptor.
Seeing like an interface

Mobile and ubiquitous computing systems are increasingly of interest to HCI researchers. Often, this has meant considering the ways in which we might migrate desktop applications and everyday usage scenarios to mobile devices and mobile contexts. However, we do not just experience technologies in situ -- we also experience everyday settings through the technologies we have at our disposal. Drawing on anthropological research, I outline an alternative way of thinking about the relationship between technology and "seeing" everyday life and everyday space.
S.A. Lebedev and the birth of Soviet computing

In this article, we study the life and work of Sergei Alekseevich Lebedev, one of the world's pioneers in digital computing. Lebedev, working in Kiev, built the MESM, the first Soviet electronic digital stored-program computer (1947-1951). In 1950, Lebedev moved to Moscow, where he soon became the director of the newly established Institute of Precise Mechanics and Computer Technology. There he developed a long line of digital computers based on his work on the MESM. We examine in detail the first three of these machines: the BESM, the BESM-2 and the M-20. Lebedev achieved considerable success not only in the development of indigenous Soviet computers, but in the training of engineers, the founding of computer centers, and the establishment and nuturing of Soviet computing as a scientific discipline. >
SEIZURE THRESHOLD, ADRENALECTOMY AND SODIUM‐POTASSIUM STIMULATED ATPase IN RAT BRAIN*1

— Adrenalectomy in the rat was shown to lower seizure threshold measured with the volatile convulsant hexafluorodiethyl ether. Although the expected hyponatraemia and hyperkalaemia were demonstrated in the adrenalectomized rats, there was no associated alteration in Na-K stimulated Mg-ATPase activity either in the whole rat brain or in a microsomal fraction. These results in brain tissue are contrasted with the marked decrease in this enzyme that occurs in kidney tissue of the rat following adrenalectomy. It was suggested that the activity of the enzyme system responsible for active cation transport responds directly in proportion to the work of active transport required by the individual tissue.
Potential distribution in a rectangular semiconductor bar for use with four-point probe measurements

Abstract The electric potential distribution is given for an arbitrary placement of current contacts on one side of a rectangular bar of semiconductor material having finite dimensions and two conducting ends. A factor is derived which can be used in conjunction with a four-point probe to correct the measured conductivity of such a bar for the effects of its dimensions and plated ends. This factor is of utility in the correlation of conductivity measurements made on a single specimen by means of two- and four-point probes.
Point/counterpoint: Vicentino's musical rebuttal to Lusitano

The famous 1551 debate between Nicola Vicentino and Vicente Lusitano concerned whether contemporary music was written in the diatonic genus, as Lusitano asserted, or whether it represented a mixture of the genera, as Vicentino argued. The judges ruled against Vicentino, who in 1555 published in L'antica musica ridotta alla moderna prattica a full exposition of his views on the genera and a description of the debate and its aftermath. His bitterness over the debate and the ongoing controversy surrounding it are well documented. What has not been recognized, however, is the agenda behind the contrapuntal structure of his polyphonic exemplar of the diatonic genus in the treatise. He asserts that 'considerable harshness is felt in this music, compared to that which is tempered and mixed [contemporary practice]'. The article shows that Vicentino infused the example with harmonic and contrapuntal devices described elsewhere in his treatise as appropriate for expressing harshness, devices that he, along with Zarlino, learned from Willaert. In this way Vicentino hoped to render it uncouth and thereby distance the diatonic genus from contemporary practice, thus bolstering his stance in the debate. Comparative examination of two other examples of purely diatonic composition by Vicentino and Ghiselin Danckerts, one of the judges in the debate, provides further evidence of Vicentino's agenda.
Gatifloxacin in community-acquired respiratory tract infection.

Gatifloxacin (Tequin®, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd) is a new fluoroquinolone with a broad spectrum of activity for pathogens implicated in community-acquired respiratory tract infections, including Gram-positive, -negative and atypical bacteria. Excellent oral bioavailability, a half-life allowing once-daily administration and excellent penetration into respiratory tissues are desirable pharmacokinetic characteristics of gatifloxacin. Monte Carlo simulation of gatifloxacin in Streptococcus pneumoniae infection demonstrates that adequate levels of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameters are obtained with gatifloxacin in almost all instances. In randomised, controlled trials and a large open-label, community-based study, gatifloxacin has shown excellent clinical and bacteriological efficacy in acute bacterial sinusitis, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and community-acquired pneumonia. Current guidelines recommend the initial empiric use of gatifloxacin (along with the other new fluoroquinolon...
Brief Notes on the Meaning of a Genomic Control System for Animal Embryogenesis

This article presents some reflections on how the recently published Boolean gene regulatory network (GRN) model for sea urchin endomesoderm development affects the problem of what we can expect to know about a developmental process. The Boolean computation demonstrated that, on a system-wide level, a topological GRN model can contain sufficient regulatory information to predict in silico all the spatial and almost all the temporal processes of regulatory gene expression observed in this phase of embryonic development. Conclusions that can be drawn illuminate the general and fundamental characteristics of developmental regulatory systems, such as their innate hierarchy and their reliance on logic-processing functions. The automaton-like performance which the Boolean model displayed reflects the basic quality of genomically controlled developmental process. This quality is of course the underlying requirement for a genetically encoded developmental mechanism. The accessibility of system-wide mechanistic explanation is something new in developmental biology, and turns on their head old truisms that for a century have been implicit in science aimed at small parts of systems.
Lifetime and 12-month prevalence of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition disorders among older African Americans: findings from the National Survey of American Life.

Objective The purpose of this study was to estimate lifetime and 12-month prevalence of 13 psychiatric disorders for older African Americans. Methods Data are from the older African American subsample of the National Survey of American Life. Selected measures of lifetime and 12-month Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM–IV) psychiatric disorders were examined (i.e., panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder, dysthymia, bipolar I and II disorders, alcohol abuse/dependence, and drug abuse/dependence). Results Twenty-three percent of older African Americans reported at least one lifetime disorder and 8.54% reported at least one 12-month disorder. Alcohol abuse, PTSD, and major depression were the most prevalent lifetime disorders. The most prevalent 12-month disorders were PTSD, major depression, and social phobia. Age, sex, education, and region were significantly associated with the odds of having a lifetime disorder. Conclusion This is the first study of prevalence rates of serious mental disorders for older African Americans based on a national sample. Demographic correlates of the prevalence of disorders are discussed with an emphasis on age and regional differences.
Probable Amlodipine-Induced Angioedema

Objective:To report a case of angioedema likely associated with amlodipine administration in a patient with a right thalamic hemorrhagic stroke.Case Summary:A 50-year-old female experienced angioedema during hospitalization for s right thalamic hemorrhagic stroke. She had no past history of angioedema and all of her medications were assessed for risk of angioedema. After careful evaluation, case reports linking calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and angioedema led to further examination of amlodipine as a cause. Amlodipine therapy had been initiated 24 hours prior to the development of angioedema, which then resolved 72 hours after discontinuation of the drug. In total, the patient experienced oropharyngeal swelling for 10 days.Discussion:In determining a cause for the patient's angioedema we eliminated genetic, allergic, physically induced, thyroid autoimmune disease-associated, and medication-induced causes. Three case reports describing 7 patients have linked the CCBs verapamil, diltiazem, and nifedipine ...
Method of electronic health record documentation and quality of primary care.

Objective Physicians who more intensively interact with electronic health records (EHRs) through their documentation style may pay greater attention to coded fields and clinical decision support and thus may deliver higher quality care. We measured the quality of care of physicians who used three predominating EHR documentation styles: dictation, structured documentation, and free text. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of visits by patients with coronary artery disease and diabetes to the Partners Primary Care Practice Based Research Network. The main outcome measures were 15 EHR-based coronary artery disease and diabetes measures assessed 30 days after primary care visits. Results During the 9-month study period, 7000 coronary artery disease and diabetes patients made 18 569 visits to 234 primary care physicians of whom 20 (9%) predominantly dictated their notes, 68 (29%) predominantly used structured documentation, and 146 (62%) predominantly typed free text notes. In multivariable modeling adjusted for clustering by patient and physician, quality of care appeared significantly worse for dictators than for physicians using the other two documentation styles on three of 15 measures (antiplatelet medication, tobacco use documentation, and diabetic eye exam); better for structured documenters for three measures (blood pressure documentation, body mass index documentation, and diabetic foot exam); and better for free text documenters on one measure (influenza vaccination). There was no measure for which dictators had higher quality of care than physicians using the other two documentation styles. Conclusions EHR-assessed quality is necessarily documentation-dependent, but physicians who dictated their notes appeared to have worse quality of care than physicians who used structured EHR documentation. Clinical trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: [NCT00235040][1]. [1]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=CLINTRIALGOV&access_num=NCT00235040&atom=%2Fjaminfo%2F19%2F6%2F1019.atom