cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonhighway injury fatalities—I. The roles of alcohol and problem drinking, drugs and medical impairment

Abstract Presence of alcohol, alcoholism, drugs other than alcohol and medical impairment was studied among persons age 15 or older who died of nonhighway injury. Where relevant they were compared with persons who died after acute episodes of illness. Alcohol was present in 42 per cent of injury fatalities and 18 per cent of those who died of illness. Amont persons who died of falls or fire respectively 70 and 64 per cent had alcohol present, usually in very high concentration. Most persons with alcohol had an actual diagnosis or at least one indicator of problem drinking. Impairment attributable to other drugs appeared to play only a minor role in death from injury. However, 10 per cent of fatal injuries were initiated by episodes of altered consciousness and another 7 per cent by other forms of medical impairment.
Least squares degree reduction of Bezier curves

Abstract In this paper we investigate the problem of reducing the degree of Bezier curves approximately from n to a prescribed target degree m whereby (parametric) continuity of any order ≤ m−1 2 can be preserved at the two endpoints. The computations are carried out by minimizing the (constrained) L2-norm between the two curves. In addition, a complete algorithm is given for performing the degree reduction within a prescribed error tolerance by help of subdivision. This work is an evident improvement on a previous paper (Eck M Comput.-Aided Geom. Des. Vol 10 (1993) pp 237–251) about degree reduction in the sense that the algorithm presented is faster and much easier to implement, while still producing very good results.
Recognition Sites for Norepinephrine Uptake: Regulation by Neurotransmitter

Recognition sites for the uptake of norepinephrine on adrenergic neurons in the brain and periphery were labeled with [3H]desipramine. The number of these uptake sites varied with the concentration of transmitter; depletion of norepinephrine with reserpine reduced the number of uptake sites, whereas increasing the concentration of norepinephrine induced by treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors raised the number of binding sites. These dynamic alterations in norepinephrine uptake recognition sites may regulate synaptic function homeostatically, providing less inactivation of reuptake when the synaptic concentration of the transmitter is low and increased inactivation when it is high.
High throughput genetic sequence analysis

We present an application paradigm in which an unsupervised machine learning approach is applied to high dimensional influenza sequence datasets: (1) human A/H3N2, (2) avian H5, and (3) North American swine influenza H3N2 virus. Interesting visual patterns observed in the A/H3N2 influenza virus led us to hypothesize that vaccination could be one of the driving forces in the evolution of the human A/H3N2 influenza virus. We provide simulation study and statistical results to support our finding that the influenza virus evolves differently in a protected environment than it evolves in the wild. In the swine H3N2 case, our result suggests that the diversification of North American swine influenza virus can be attributed to the mutations at two positively selected sites on the hemaggluttinin protein.
Compressing the free energy range of substructure stabilities in iso-1-cytochrome c

Evolutionary conservation of substructure architecture between yeast iso-1-cytochrome c and the well-characterized horse cytochrome c is studied with limited proteolysis, the alkaline conformational transition and global unfolding with guanidine-HCl. Mass spectral analysis of limited proteolysis cleavage products for iso-1-cytochrome c show that its least stable substructure is the same as horse cytochrome c. The limited proteolysis data yield a free energy of 3.8 ± 0.4 kcal mol−1 to unfold the least stable substructure compared with 5.05 ± 0.30 kcal mol−1 for global unfolding of iso-1-cytochrome c. Thus, substructure stabilities of iso-1-cytochrome c span only ∼1.2 kcal mol−1 compared with ∼8 kcal mol−1 for horse cytochrome c. Consistent with the less cooperative folding thus expected for the horse protein, the guanidine-HCl m-values are ∼3 kcal mol−1M−1 versus ∼4.5 kcal mol−1M−1 for horse versus yeast cytochrome c. The tight free energy spacing of the yeast cytochrome c substructures suggests that its folding has more branch points than for horse cytochrome c. Studies on a variant of iso-1-cytochrome c with an H26N mutation indicate that the least and most stable substructures unfold sequentially and the two least stable substructures unfold independently as for horse cytochrome c. Thus, important aspects of the substructure architecture of horse cytochrome c, albeit compressed energetically, are preserved evolutionally in yeast iso-1-cytochrome c.
Digital signal processing using virtual instruments

The area of test and measurement is changing rapidly because of the recent developments in software and hardware. The test and measurement systems are increasingly becoming PC based. Most of these PC based systems use graphical programming language to design test and measurement modules called virtual instruments (Vis). These Vis provide visual representation of dat or models, and make understanding of abstract concepts and algorithms easier. This allows users to express their ideas in a concise manner. One such virtual instruments package is LabVIEW from National Instruments Corporation at Austin, Texas. This software package is one of the first graphical programming products and is currently used in number of academic institutions, industries, Department of Defense graphical programming products and is currently sued in number of academic institutions, industries, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration for various test, measurement, and control applications. LabVIEW has an extensive built-in VI library that can be used to design and develop solutions for different applications. Besides using the built-in VI library that can be used to design and develop solutions for different applications. Besides using the built-in VI modules in LabVIEW, the user can design new VI modules easily. This paper discusses the use of LabVIEW to design and develop digital signal processing VI modules such as Fourier Analysis and Windowing. Instructors can use these modules to teach some of the signal processing concepts effectively.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Tariff Rates, Tariff Revenue, and Tariff Reform: Some New Facts

This article compares the statutory and valorem tariff rates (official rates) with the ratio of tariff revenues to import values (collected rates) for Jamaica, Kenya, and Pakistan. It identifies four general features of the tariff codes, considers whether these features apply to all developing countries, and discusses four implications of these features for tariff reform. First, the collected rate for any given item in the tariff code is only weakly related to the official rate for the item. Second, the variation of collected rates, on average, increase much less than the official rates. Fourth, the relation between official rates and collected rates is nonlinear, because the slope is lower at higher levels of the official rate.
Elicitation of feeding, drinking, and gnawing following microinjections of muscimol into the median raphe nucleus of rats

Previous studies have demonstrated that injections of muscimol into the median raphe nucleus (MR) result in large increases in locomotor activity and food intake. The current experiment extends these results by showing that intra-MR muscimol injections in nondeprived rats also elicit nonprandial drinking and gnawing of wooden blocks. These findings indicate that stimulation of GABA receptors within the MR is able to energize a wide range of oral behaviors and is compatible with the view that the MR may be part of a “nonspecific” behavioral activation system.
Cancer pain: Research from multidimensional and illness representation models

Cancer pain is a widespread problem that impacts the quality of life of a significant proportion of patients with various types of cancer. Despite recognition of the complex nature of cancer pain, the bulk of the research in the area continues to be conducted from a biomedical perspective. Two models have been applied to pain in general and cancer pain in particular: the multidimensional model and the illness representation model. The multidimensional model provides an overarching framework with which to conceptualize the multiple components of cancer pain (physiological, sensory, behavioral, affective, cognitive, sociocultural) whereas the illness representation model focuses on patients' models of illness and the manner in which these models influence perception and behavior. The purpose of the current manuscript is to integrate research from multidimensional and illness representation models of pain and provide suggestions for future research.
A Novel Wavelet-Based Notch Filter with Controlled Null Width*This research is supported by National Science Council of R.O.C. under contract NSC 94-2213-E-129-002.

This paper presents a wavelet-based approach for the design of the finite impulse response (FIR) notch filter with controlled null width. The M-band P-regular wavelet filters are employed to constitute the null space of the derivative constraint matrix. Taking advantage of the vanishing moment property of the wavelet filters, the proposed method controls the null width of the notch filter by adjusting the regularity of the employed wavelet filters. Besides, the selection of large number of bands of the wavelet filters can effectively reduce the minimum mean square error and thus improve the performance of the notch filter. Computer simulations show that, in addition to possessing lower computational complexity, the proposed reduced-rank method has similar frequency response compared to those of the full-rank-based techniques.
Similarity of satellite DNA properties in the order Rodentia

We have characterized satellite DNAs from 9 species of kangaroo rat (Dipodomys) and have shown that the HS-alpha and HS-beta satellites, where present, are nearly identical in all species as to melting transition midpoint (Tm), and density in neutral CsCl, alkaline CsCl, and Cs(2)SO(4)-Ag(+) gradients. However, the MS satellites exist in two internally similar classes. The satellite DNAs from three other rodents were characterized (densities listed are in neutral CsCl). The pocket gopher, Thomomysbottae, contains Th-alpha (1.713 g/ml) and Th-beta (1.703 g/ml). The guinea pig (Caviaporcellus) contains Ca-alpha, Ca-beta and Ca-gamma at densities of 1.706 g/ml, 1.704 g/ml and 1.704 g/ml, respectively. The antelope ground squirrel (Ammospermophilusharrisi) contains Am-alpha, 1.708 g/ml, Am-beta, 1.717 g/ml, and Am-gamma, 1.707 g/ml. The physical and chemical properties of the alpha-satellites from the above four rodents representing four different families in two suborders of Rodentia were compared. They show nearly identical Tm, nucleoside composition of single strands, and single strand densities in alkaline CsCl. Similar comparisons on the second or third satellite DNAs from these rodents also indicate a close relationship to each other. Thus the high degree of similarity of satellite sequences found in such a diverse group of rodents suggests a cellular function that is subject to natural selection, and implies that these sequences have been conserved over a considerable span of evolutionary time since the divergence of these rodents about 50 million years ago.
Anthrax Toxin Delivers a One-Two Punch

Although anthrax toxin was identified as a major Bacillus anthracis virulence factor over 50 years ago, defining the physiologically relevant targets has been challenging. Liu et al. demonstrate that intoxication of myeloid-derived cells contributes to establishing infection but is not required for mortality resulting from high toxin concentrations associated with end-stage disease.
Minimising the Long-Term Adverse Effects of Childhood Leukaemia Therapy

Malignancies in childhood occur with an incidence of 13–14 per 100 000 children under the age of 15 years. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with an incidence of 29% is the most common paediatric malignancy, whereas acute myeloid leukaemias account for about 5%. The treatment of acute leukaemias consists of sequential therapy cycles (induction, consolidation, intensification, maintenance therapy) with different cytostatic drugs over a time period of up to 1.5–3 years. Over the last 25 years of clinical trials, a significant rise in the rate of complete remissions as well as an increase in long-term survival has been achieved. Therefore, growing attention is now focused on the long-term effects of anti-leukaemic treatment. Several cytostatic drugs administered in the treatment of acute leukaemia in childhood are known to cause long-term adverse effects. Anthracyclines may induce chronic cardiotoxicity, alkylating agents are likely to cause gonadal damage and secondary malignancies and the use of glucocorticoids may cause osteonecrosis. Most of the long-term adverse effects have not been analysed systematically. Approaches to minimising long-term adverse effects without jeopardising outcome have included: (i) the design of new drugs such as a liposomal formulation of anthracyclines, the development of anthracycline-derivates with lower toxicity, the development of cardioprotective agents or, more recently, the use of targeted therapy; (ii) alternative administration schedules like continuous infusion or timed sequential therapy; and (iii) risk group stratification by the monitoring of minimal residual disease. Several attempts have been made to minimise the cardiotoxicity of anthracyclines: decreasing concentrations delivered to the myocardium by either prolonging infusion time or using liposomal formulated anthracyclines or less cardiotoxic analogues, or the additional administration of cardioprotective agents. The advantage of these approaches is still controversial, but there are ongoing clinical trials to evaluate the long-term effects. The use of new diagnostic methods, such as diagnosis of minimal residual disease, which allow reduction or optimisation of dose, offer potential advantages compared with conventional treatment in terms of reducing the risk of severe long-term adverse effects. Most options for minimising long-term adverse effects have resulted from theoretical models and in vitro studies, but only some of the modalities such as the use of dexrazoxane, the continuous infusion of anthracyclines or timed sequential therapy, have been evaluated in prospective, randomised studies in patients. Future approaches to predict severe toxicity may be based upon pharmacogenetics and gene profiling.
A stable, molten-globule-like cytochrome c

Expression of cytochrome c from Thermus thermophilus in Escherichia coli (E. coli) leads to a protein with characteristics of a molten globule. Unfolding induced by guanidine hydrochloride (GdHCl) shows that E. coli-expressed cytochrome c has lower stability (and less cooperativity of unfolding) compared to the protein extracted from Thermus thermophilus, even though the two proteins have identical amino-acid sequences. Moreover, Soret and far-UV circular dichroism signals differ for the two proteins, suggesting a distorted heme environment and more side-chain dynamics of E. coli-expressed cytochrome c. Still, tryptophan fluorescence in E. coli-expressed cytochrome c is quenched as in native protein, and the iron coordinates in a low-spin form. Amino-acid sequencing indicates the presence of only one covalent cysteine-linkage to the heme in E. coli-expressed cytochrome c (normally, there are two linkages), a possible explanation for the trapped, molten-globule-like structure. The features of this non-native protein may be of interest for interpretation of cytochrome c folding kinetics in vitro, since a molten globule may be an intermediate on the folding pathway.
Mesozoic and Early Cenozoic Arc-Trench System of California--Do the Pieces Still Fit?: ABSTRACT

The Mesozoic and early Cenozoic arc-trench system of California has been interpreted to include the Franciscan Complex as a subduction complex, the Great Valley sequence as a fore-arc basin, and the Sierra Nevada batholith and volcanic rocks in the western states as the magmatic arc. The similar ages of these elements and the stacking sequence in the Franciscan Complex (youngest to the west) are consistent with this interpretation. However, some recent studies in paleomagnetics, radiometric dating, and sandstone petrology, particularly in the Franciscan Complex, suggest that a simple model of subduction and accretion does not explain many relations. With the growing evidence for lateral translations of microplate along the Pacific margin during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic, some authors have attempted to explain Franciscan complexities by these large-scale lateral translations. Limestone and volcanic blocks in the Franciscan melange have been shown to be allochthonous, but there is yet no definitive evidence for large-scale translations of the melange as a whole. Several problems remain unsolved, including the relation between blueschist terranes, the large time delay between deposition of some sediments and their subsequent metamorphism to blueschist facies, the relation of sandstone provenance between the fore-arc basin and subjection complex, the distribution of sedimentary facies across the entire trench slope/fore-arc region, a d the differing styles of deformation in the various Franciscan belts. Recent studies of modern and ancient arc-trench systems help explain some of these problems, but others remain enigmatic. End_of_Article - Last_Page 893------------
Deaf and hearing mothers' interactions with normally hearing infants and toddlers

The purpose of this study was to compare the interactions between Deaf mothers and their normally hearing infants and toddlers with the interactions between hearing mothers and their normally hearing infants and toddlers. The Nursing Child Assessment Teaching Scale (NCATS), modified to credit Deaf mothers and their children for both spoken and signed communications, was used to assess mother-child interactions. There were no statistically significant differences in scores on the NCATS Parent subscales, NCATS Child subscales, or in total NCATS scores of the Deaf mother/child dyads compared with the hearing mother/child dyads. Implications clinical practice are discussed.
Distinct influences of nerve growth factor and a central cholinergic trophic factor on medial septal explants.

Abstract A central cholinergic trophic factor (C-CTF), previously reported in hippocampal extracts, enhances acetylcholine synthesis (ACh) and to a lesser extent choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity in cultured explants of the rat medial septal nucleus. Nerve growth factor (NGF) has been reported to enhance ChAT in several systems in vitro and in vivo, and clearly stimulates septal explants. At optimal concentrations of NGF and C-CTF, there is an additive effect on ChAT activity. The effects of NGF on ACh synthesis are minimal Antibodies to NGF block effects of added NGF but have no effects on C-CTF activity. The ability of C-CTF to enhance ACh synthesis appears related to its ability to enhance the acetylation of the choline that has been taken up by a sodium dependent, high affinity transport system. Thus, actions of NGF and C-CTF appear qualitatively and quantitatively distinct, yet both can influence the cholinergic activity of the developing medial septal nucleus.
THE EFFECTS OF ADRENALECTOMY AND HYPOPHYSECTOMY UPON EXPERIMENTAL DIABETES IN THE CAT

1. The hypophysectomized cat shows an alleviation of the diabetes following pancreatectomy comparable to that previously demonstrated by others in the dog. 2. It is possible by various procedures to remove both adrenals and all the pancreas from cats. Such animals have survived for as long as 4 weeks without the use of insulin, the average survival being 18 days. Daily injections of cortical extract are necessary. By contrast, cats deprived of insulin by similar procedures but with adrenals intact survive only 4-5 days. 3. Adrenalectomized-depancreatized cats show as striking an alleviation of the diabetes as do those hypophysectomized and depancreatized. This is expressed by the markedly decreased glucose, nitrogen and acetone body excretion compared to that found in the depancreatized cat, as well as by the increased survival period. 4. Removal of epinephrine by denervation or demedullation of the adrenals does not protect against pancreatic diabetes in the cat. 5. The carbohydrate tolerance of depancreatized cats is not significantly increased by hypophysectomy or adrenalectomy. The exceptions to this finding have all been in animals presenting varying degrees of spontaneous hypoglycemia. 6. It is our opinion that the effects of hypophysectomy or adrenalectomy upon pancreatic diabetes are due to diminution of the production of glucose and acetone bodies rather than to the resumption of normal carbohydrate utilization.
A Simple Regioselective Synthesis of Hydroximinoyl Chlorides (Nitrile Oxide Precursors)

Abstract Hydroximinoyl chlorides can be conveniently prepared utilizing tert-butyl hypochlorite in carbon tetrachloride. The reaction and workup are simple and the isolated yields reasonable.
Retrieving snow mass from GRACE terrestrial water storage change with a land surface model

[1] A reliable snow water equivalent (SWE) product is critical for climate and hydrology studies in Arctic regions. Passive microwave sensors aboard satellites provide a capability of observing global SWE and have produced many SWE datasets. However, these datasets have significant errors in boreal forest regions and where snowpack is deep or wet. The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites are measuring changes in terrestrial water storage (TWS), of which snow mass is the primary component in winter Arctic river basins. This paper shows SWE can be derived from GRACE TWS change in regions where the ground is not covered by snow in a summer month if accurate changes in below-ground water storage (including soil water and groundwater) can be provided by a land surface model. Based on gravity change, the GRACE-derived SWE estimates are not affected by the boreal forest canopy and are more accurate in deep snow regions than microwave retrievals. The paper also discusses the uncertainties in the SWE retrievals.
The nature of centromeric dots in Nigella chromosomes

Derived telocentric chromosomes in Nigella doerfleri have pairs of Giemsa staining dots at their terminal centromeres which appear in size and behaviour to be identical with the centromeric dots of their submetacentric homologue. The telocentric chromosomes are stable and therefore their centromeres are functional and probably complete. That the centromeres also possess centromeric dots indicates that the dots represent essential components of the centromere, a conclusion which supports the contention that they are kinetochores.
Prolonged survival in bronchogenic carcinoma complicated by superior vena cava obstruction

Prolonged survival in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma and superior vena cava syndrome is rare. One patient with this syndrome due to epidermoid carcinoma of the lung has survived 10 years following radiation therapy. Occasional patients with superior vena cava syndrome due to lung carcinoma may have long periods of disease-free survival. Therefore, curative radiation therapy is indicated for this condition.
The construction of logical space and the structure of facts

In The Construction of Logical Space, Agustin Rayo defends trivialism, according to which number-involving truths are trivially equivalent to other, non-number-involving truths; picturesquely, ‘I have five fingers on my hand’ and ‘the number of fingers on my hand is five’ express the same fact, but carved up in different ways. A single fact thus has multiple structures. I distinguish two ways this might go: on the deflationary picture, facts get their structures from our linguistic practices, while on an inflationary picture, facts have multiple structures independently of language. I argue that Rayo’s view is best interpreted as deflationary. Thus interpreted, it blocks off an attractive solution to the old problems of intensionality. I further argue a that a semi-deflationary variant of Rayo’s view can make use of the attractive solution—but it thereby sacrifices the supposed mathematical benefits of trivialism.
Accuracy of impressions made with elastic impression materials

Abstract The Thiokol and silicone impression materials were investigated in a laboratory study to determine their best means of application to removable partial denture impressions. Several methods were evaluated and a technique which produced reliable, consistent results was evolved. A clinical situation was selected and casts made with Thiokol and silicone material were compared with irreversible hydrocolloid, reversible hydrocolloid, and silver-plated Thiokol casts. The reproducibility of casts from each impression material was statistically compared using data obtained on the microcomparator. By means of graphs of this data the models were compared with each other. All of the casts were compared with a casting which fit the mouth.
Oxidative phosphorylation and respiratory control in lysolecithin treated electron transport particles

Lysolecithin treatment of electron transport particles (ETP) generated non-vesicular fragments of membrane that can catalyze oxidative phosphorylation. Electron micrographs of ultrathin sections of lysolecithin treated ETP were devoid of circular patterns characteristic of closed vesicular structures. No synergistic uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation by valinomycin plus nigericin in the presence of K+ was observed in such fragments of membrane, which remained sensitive to classical uncouplers and to oligomycin. Preceding total destruction of closed vesicular structure, lysolecithin caused a drastic alteration in the membrane as evidenced by a greatly diminished effect of the ionophores in releasing respiratory control.
Two 0-0 bands in the 3700-A (π∗ ← n) absorption of pyridazine?

Abstract Four type-C bands of the 3700-A, A 1 B 1 - X 1 A 1 transition of pyridazine (1,2-diazine) have been subjected to rotational contour analysis. Two equally good computer simulations of the 0-0 band (26 648 cm−1) differ only by an interchange of direction of the axes of largest and intermediate moments of inertia of the excited state. Either solution implies that the effect of electronic excitation is to elongate the molecule along the direction perpendicular to the symmetry axis. A similar effect of excitation of one quantum of ν″6a is found. Contour analysis of a band at 27 021 cm−1 reveals a large, negative inertial defect for the upper level, which is confirmed by analysis of a hot band connecting with the same level. The defect is discussed as a clue to the long-standing problem of vibrational complexity in the 3700-A absorption. Of the three interpretations discussed, the one most consistent with all published experimental data is that the 27 021-cm−1 band is the 0-0 band of the B 1 B 1 - X 1 A 1 transition.
A partially ordered set of functionals corresponding to graphs

Abstract For a graph G whose vertices are v1,v2,…,vm and where E is the set of edges, we define a functional U G (h)=ʃʃ…ʃ ∏ {v i ,v j }∈E h(x i ,x j ) dμ(x 1 )dμ(x 2 )…dμ(x m ) , where h is a nonnegative symmetric function of two variables. We consider a binary relation ≽ for graphs with fixed numbers of vertices and edges, where G≽L means that UG(h)⩾UL(h) for every h. We prove that this relation is equivalent to the condition: the number of homomorphisms into every graph H from G is not less than from L. We obtain comparability and incomparability criteria and investigate the poset of k-edge trees. In particular, the first and the second maximal elements of this poset are found.
Stable atom-scale junctions on silicon fabricated by kinetically controlled electrochemical deposition and dissolution.

Metallic atom-scale junctions (ASJs) constitute the natural limit of nanowires, in which the limiting region of conduction is only a few atoms wide. They are of interest because they exhibit ballistic conduction and their conductance is extraordinarily sensitive to molecular adsorption. However, identifying robust and regenerable mechanisms for their production is a challenge. Gold ASJs have been fabricated electrochemically on silicon using an iodide-containing medium to control the kinetics. Extremely slow electrodeposition or electrodissolution rates were achieved and used to reliably produce ASJs with limiting conductance <5 G0. Starting from a photolithographically fabricated, Si3N4-protected micrometer-scale Au bridge between two contact electrodes, a nanometer-scale gap was prepared by focused ion beam milling. The opposing Au faces of this construct were then used in an open-circuit working electrode configuration to produce Au ASJs, either directly or by first overgrowing a thicker Au nanowire an...
Organizational commitment and governance for supply chain success

Purpose – To examine the nature and extent of commitment to supply chain collaboration. Also, to explore the state of supply chain governance structures.Design/methodology/approach – A multi‐method survey and in‐depth interview methodology was employed to gather data. Content analysis was then used to identify the types and extent of managerial support for supply chain initiatives.Findings – Four types of managerial support are needed to achieve the highest levels of supply chain success: top management support, broad‐based functional support, channel support, and infrastructural/governance support. None of the interview companies have put all four types of support in place. Leading‐edge governance relies on cross‐functional/inter‐organizational teams, executive governance councils, customer advisory boards, supplier advisory councils and a modified reporting structure that overseas all value‐added activities from product conceptualization to customer relationship management. Again, none of the interview ...
History of health studies around nuclear facilities: a methodological consideration☆

Abstract A brief historical review was made of low-level radiation studies for general populations living around nuclear facilities. In addition, technical and methodological problems were identified and discussed which often arise in all epidemiological studies designed to determine the possible health effects of low-level radiation released from nuclear facilities. Many of the studies reviewed were incomplete from the methodological standpoint; thus findings may be considered inconclusive. Some others presented an inadequate study design with contradictory results. Need for extremely large populations for prospective cancer studies was discussed, but accompanying ascertainment difficulties were also emphasized. More epidemiological studies are needed to provide adequate assessment of the potential health hazards of nuclear facilities.
PCR identification and differentiation of baboon cytomegalovirus from other human and nonhuman primate cytomegalovirus

Abstract Background: Differential identification of baboon alpha, beta, and gamma herpesviruses is an essential technology in order to monitor xenozoonotic transmission of baboon viruses to foreign species organ and/or cell recipients. We present polymerase chain reaction techniques that will differentiate known baboon cytomegaloviruses (CMV) from their closely related counterparts found in humans. Methods and Results: Polymerase chain reaction techniques for identification of the known beta herpesviruses commonly present in the baboon are reported. The techniques described also permit the unequivocal differentiation of these virus types from closely related human as well as other nonhuman primate viruses in the family herpesviridae. Methods are based upon sequence analysis of specifically selected genes of baboon CMV. Primer pairs from sequence analyses were selected based upon nonhomologous sequences in gene homologues of human CMV. Unique, baboon species specific amplimers were identified both with ethidium bromide staining and with radiolabeled probe analyses. Conclusions: With the described techniques, it is possible to monitor organ/cell recipients of xenograft transplantation for the establishment of baboon CMV in the foreign human host. Monitoring can be performed throughout the life of the recipient in effort to rule out host susceptibility to baboon CMV, as well as to rule out potential host:donor recombinant viruses formed between the closely related members of herpesvirus family. (Mol Diagn 1996 Sep;1(3):267-273)
Synthesis and thermal cyclopolymerization of heterocycle containing bis-ortho-diynyl arenes

Abstract A new class of heteroatom terminated bis-ortho-diynyl arene (BODA) compounds have been synthesized via efficient in situ palladium catalyzed cross coupling between tetra alkynyl silanes and aryl bromides and iodides. BODA monomers undergo Bergman-type cyclization upon heating, and afford processable intermediates and ultimately network polymers. The new heterocycle terminated oligomers are compared to phenyl terminated derivatives and exhibit bathochromic shifts (25 nm) in their emission spectra.
A structural equation model of job performance using a computer-based order entry system

Abstract The research uses a structural equation model with latent variables to examine the role of computer self-efficacy and outcome expectancy in impacting job performance. Constructs measuring management support, ease of system use, and the previous computer experience of the user are used as antecedents to computer self-efficacy and outcome expectancy. The empirical results are generated using 524 responses to a questionnaire administered in a large hospital in the southeastern United States regarding its computer-based order entry system. These results provide empirical support for the theoretical role of computer self-efficacy and outcome expectancy positively impacting job performance. Further, the antecedents were found to have the expected positive impacts on computer self-efficacy and outcome expectancy.
Allergy, histamine 1 receptor blockers, and the risk of multiple sclerosis.

Background: It is unclear whether allergic diseases are associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), but histamine 1 receptor blockers, used in the treatment of allergic conditions, decreased the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (an animal model of MS). Objective: To assess the association of allergy history and use of histamine 1 receptor blockers with the risk of MS. Methods: Using a case–control study nested in the United Kingdom–based General Practice Research Database cohort, the authors identified 163 incident cases of MS with at least 3 years of follow-up before their first symptoms (index date). Up to 10 controls matched to the cases by age, sex, general practice, and time in the cohort were selected. Previous history of allergic disease and use of histamine 1 receptor blockers in the 3 years before the index date were assessed through computerized medical records. Results: History of any allergic condition in the 3 years before the index date was not associated with MS risk (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.2, 95% CI 0.8 to 1.8). However, use of sedating histamine 1 receptor blockers was associated with decreased MS risk (adjusted OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.8). Conclusion: These results do not support a strong link between allergic conditions and multiple sclerosis (MS) risk but suggest a possible beneficial effect of antihistamines on the onset of MS.
The Sanctification of Dreams: Prevalence and Implications

Many scientists and practitioners have debated about the function of dreams. Though some researchers have described dreams as purposeless random neuronal firings, others have suggested that dreams serve an adaptive function with certain dream characteristics having positive implications. Drawing on other studies of sanctification, this study examines whether imbuing a dream with qualities of the sacred relates to beneficial outcomes. Examining a college student sample of 168, it was found that the more sacred the dream was perceived, the more beneficial the outcome reported from a stressful life event which related to the dream. These outcomes include less negative affect and more positive affect, psychological and spiritual growth. Sanctification of dreams predicted these outcome variables over and above other religious measures as well as dream measures. The implications of these findings are discussed.
What limits the application of TEM in the semiconductor industry

Abstract Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is expected to play an important role in the future development of the semiconductor industry because of its high resolution and analytical ability. However, long turnaround time and difficulties in making TEM specimens really affect the application of TEM for routine support of semiconductor manufacture. In this paper, the author presents some recent TEM results on submicron semiconductor devices with mutilayer interconnection to show how to effectively use TEM to support process development and failure analysis. An advanced technique to prepare TEM specimen is also discussed.
One-step concentration of analytes based on dynamic change in pH in capillary zone electrophoresis.

A novel strategy for one-step concentration of analytes during capillary electrophoresis (CE) is presented. A short platinum wire was inserted into the 75-μm-i.d. separation capillary. When a high voltage was applied for CE separation, a sharp pH gradient along the capillary was created dynamically by the electrolysis of water in the running buffer. Concentration of a large volume of injected analytes was accomplished by the change in analyte charge due to the dynamic pH gradient. Depending on the polarity of the applied potential and the direction of electroosmotic flow, either anions or cations can be concentrated. Several hundredfold concentration factors were achieved. Fluorescence imaging by a CCD camera was used to monitor 10 cm of the capillary near the platinum wire during the concentration process. The observations are consistent with a sweeping mechanism.
Differentiation of substantia gelatinosa-like regions in intraspinal and intracerebral transplants of embryonic spinal cord tissue in the rat

The differentiation of intracerebral and intraspinal transplants of fetal (E14-E15) rat spinal cord was studied to determine the extent to which myelin-free zones in these embryonic grafts exhibit cytological features and immunocytochemical characteristics of the substantia gelatinosa (SG) of the normal spinal cord. Immunocytochemical staining with antiserum to myelin basic protein (MBP) revealed myelin-free areas of varying proportions within fetal spinal cord grafts. These regions were identified in both newborn and adult recipients regardless of whether donor tissue was grafted to heterotopic (intracerebral) or homotopic (intraspinal) sites. As in the SG of the intact spinal cord, the myelin-free regions consisted mainly of small (7-15 microns) diameter neurons. At the ultrastructural level, these cells were surrounded by a neuropil composed of numerous small caliber, unmyelinated axons and intermediate-sized dendrites. Synaptic terminals in these areas were primarily characterized by the presence of clear, round vesicles, although granular vesicles were occasionally found within these terminals. Immunocytochemical staining demonstrated met- and leu-enkephalin-, neurotensin-, substance P-, and somatostatin-like immunoreactive elements within these myelin-free areas. Thus, regions within embryonic spinal cord grafts undergo some topographical differentiation which parallels that of the normal superficial dorsal horn. The presence of SG-like regions illustrates the potential capacity of fetal spinal cord transplants for replacing some intraspinal neuronal populations at the site of a spinal cord injury in neonatal and adult animals. These graft regions may serve as a source of intersegmental projection neurons or establish an extensive intrinsic circuitry similar to that seen in the normal SG. In addition, the definition of these areas provides a useful model to study the innervation patterns of host axons that typically project to the substantia gelatinosa of the normal spinal cord.
Three-Dimensional Kelvin Probe Microscopy for Characterizing In-Plane Piezoelectric Potential of Laterally Deflected ZnO Micro-/Nanowires

Potential characterization of deflected piezoelectric nanowires (NWs) is of great interest for current development of electromechanical nanogenerators that harvest ambient mechanical energy. In this paper, a Kelvin probe microscopy (KPM) technique hybridizing scanning KPM (SKPM) with atomic force microscope (AFM) surface-approach spectroscopy methods for characterizing in-plane piezoelectric potential of ZnO microwires (MWs) is presented. This technique decouples the scanning motion of the AFM tip from sample topography, and thus effectively eliminates artifacts induced by high topographical variations along the edges of MWs/NWs which make characterization by conventional SKPM inappropriate or impossible. By virtue of the topography/tip motion decoupling approach, the electrical potential can also be mapped in a three-dimensional (3D) spatial volume above the sample surface. Therefore, this technique is named 3DKPM. Through 3DKPM mapping, the piezopotential generated by a laterally deflected ZnO MW was determined by extracting the potential asymmetry from opposite sides of the MW. The measurement results agree well with theoretical predictions. Integrating an external bias to the MW sample allowed direct observation of piezopotential and carrier concentration coupling phenomenon in ZnO, opening a door toward quantitative microscopic investigation of the piezotronic effect. With further positioning refinements, 3DKPM could become a powerful technique for the characterization of piezoelectric potential and related effects in micro/nanostructures of high topographical variations, as well as development of MW/NW-based piezoelectric nanodevices.
Effects of reactive oxygen metabolites on norepinephrine-induced vasoconstriction

Abstract Aortic rings, 4 mm in length, were obtained from rats and placed on isometric force transducers in oxygenated Krebs buffer. Following a period of stabilization, the cumulative dose response relationship to norepinephrine was assessed. The vessels were washed and allowed to return to baseline in Krebs buffer containing xanthine (0.5 mM). Xanthine oxidase (0.1 U/ml) was then added to the bath and vessels incubated for 30 min. The vessels were resuspended in Krebs buffer and cumulative dose-response curves to norepinephrine reevaluated. The results indicate that generation of reactive oxygen metabolites by xanthine/xanthine oxidase decreases the pD2 from 7.80 ± 0.04 to 7.40 ± 0.09 with the endothelium intact. Removal of the endothelium did not attenuate the contractile dysfunction, indicating that endothelial-derived metabolites were not mediating the loss of vasoconstrictor effectiveness. Maximal tension development did not differ between normal and oxidized vessel rings. Introduction of oxypurinol (0.2 mg/ml) to the bath prevented the loss of constrictor responsiveness, thereby confirming that all of the oxidants were derived from the xanthine/xanthine oxidase reaction. Superoxide dismutase (200 U/ml) partially prevented the loss of norepinephrine responsiveness produced by xanthine oxidase-derived radicals. The pD2 in the SOD + xanthine/xanthine oxidase-treated vessels rings (7.19 ± 0.11) was significantly lower tan control vessel rings (7.49 ± 0.04) and significantly higher than xanthine/xanthine oxidase-treated vessels (6.89 ± 0.06). Catalase (1000 U/ml) also partially attenuated the loss of vascular norepinephrine responsiveness. The pD2 for the catalase + xanthine/xanthine oxidase-treated vessels (7.15 ± 0.02) was significantly lower than control vessels (7.39 ± 0.07)and significantly higher than the xanthine/xanthine oxidase-treated vessels (6.82 ± 0.11). The pD2 of vessels treated with a combination of SOD and catalase (7.40 ± 0.10) did not differ from control vessels (7.49 ± 0.12). The results of this study indicate that reactive species produced by the interaction of xanthine with xanthine oxidase depress norepinephrine-induced vasoconstriction. The loss of vasoconstrictor responsiveness appears to involve both superoxide and hydrogen peroxide.
Circadian rhythmicity of heart rate in the crayfish, Procambarus clarkii

Abstract 1. 1. Heart rate was monitored in the crayfish, Procambarus clarkii for periods up to 1 week by sampling the electrocardiogram. 2. 2. When the animals were exposed to an L:D 12:12 light cycle their heart rate exhibited two peaks : A brief rise occurred at lights-on and a more prolonged increase shortly after lights-off. 3. 3. The lights-off peak was judged to be circadian since it was seen to freerun with a period different from 24 hr and to reentrain with transients to a phase advance in the light cycle. In contrast, the lights-on peak exhibited neither the freerun behavior nor the transients. 4. 4. The circumesophageal connectives (CECs) were found to be required for the expression of the circadian fluctuation of rate, since bilateral section of the connectives eliminated both peaks. Such data suggests that the requisite oscillator is located in the brain or optic lobes. 5. 5. Removal of the retinae did not prevent reentrainment. This finding was interpreted to mean that photoentrainment of the circadian peak is at least partially extraretinal. It was established, however, that the retina is necessary for the maintenance of the lights-on peak.
Cisplatin‐based chemotherapy in renal transplant recipients: A case report and a review of the literature

BACKGROUND Renal transplant recipients have a high incidence of cancer. The main side effect of cisplatin, nephrotoxicity, has special implications in renal transplant recipients. This is particularly true in view of the routine use of cyclosporine as an immunosuppresant. Nephrotoxicity is also one of the main side effects of cyclosporine. METHODS We report a patient with a renal allograft who was receiving cyclosporine for immunosuppression and developed metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and was treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The literature regarding cisplatin-containing chemotherapy in patients with different cancers and a single transplanted kidney is reviewed. RESULTS The patient received four cycles of methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin while on continuous cyclosporine therapy. His renal function remained stable. He responded to chemotherapy initially, but this response was short. Ten patients with renal transplants and cancer who were treated with cisplatin have been reported previously. Two were maintained on cyclosporine for immunosuppression throughout chemotherapy. No patient developed renal failure during or shortly after administration of cisplatin. Two of five patients treated for testicular cancer developed renal failure at 3 and 6 years after completion of chemotherapy. However, in both cases the cause of renal failure was attributed to chronic rejection of the transplanted kidney. CONCLUSION Renal transplant recipients usually tolerate cisplatin-based chemotherapy well. It should be offered to patients with potentially curable cancer (e.g., germ cell tumor). This case and a review of the literature suggest that these patients retain baseline renal function even if cisplatin-based chemotherapy and cyclosporine are given simultaneously. Cancer 1996;77:160-3.