cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-speed analog refractive-index modulator that uses a chiral smectic liquid crystal

We demonstrate a fast liquid-crystal analog phase modulator composed of a homeotropically aligned electroclinic chiral smectic liquid crystal. Pure phase modulation is obtained by electrical modulation of the refractive index of the liquid crystal. A refractive-index change of 0.045 can be obtained at a 5-μs switching speed with a 15-V/μm applied electric field by use of the commercial electroclinic chiral smectic liquid crystal mixture BDH764E. This results in a π phase modulation depth at λ = 0.633 μm in a device of 10-μm thickness.
The attractive Coulomb potential polynomials

TheJ matrix method in quantum mechanics developed by Heller, Reinhardt, and Yamani points to a set of orthogonal polynomials having a nonempty continuous spectrum in addition to an infinite discrete spectrum. Asymptotic methods are used to investigate the spectral properties of these polynomials. We also obtain generating functions for both numerator and denominator polynomials. The corresponding continued fraction is computed and the Stieltjes inversion formula is used to determine the distribution function.
The β-Methoxyethoxymethyl Protecting Group in Alkaloid Synthesis. Synthesis of Abresoline

Abstract The isolation of abresoline (1), the only seco-Lythraceae alkaloid, is one of the few pieces of evidence for the proposed oxidative coupling pathway for the biosynthesis of the Type I Lythraceae alkaloids.1 We required compound 2 for our study of oxidative ary1 coupling as a synthetic route to these alkaloids. The similarity between 1 and 2 prompted the investigation of the synthesis of abresoline as a model for the preparation of 2 and related compounds.
A CdSe Nanowire/Quantum Dot Hybrid Architecture for Improving Solar Cell Performance

Incorporating colloidal CdSe quantum dots (QDs) into CdSe nanowire (NW)-based photoelectrochemical solar cells increases their incident-photon-to-carrier conversion efficiencies (IPCE) from 13% to 25% at 500 nm. While the effect could, in principle, stem from direct absorption and subsequent carrier generation by QDs, the overall IPCE increase occurs across the entire visible spectrum, even at wavelengths where the dots do not absorb light. This beneficial effect originates from an interplay between NWs and QDs where the latter fill voids between interconnected NWs, providing electrically accessible conduits, in turn, enabling better carrier transport to electrodes. The presence of QDs furthermore reduces the residual polarization anisotropy of random NW networks. Introducing QDs therefore addresses an important limiting constraint of NW photoelectrochemical solar cells. The effect appears to be general and may aid the future design and implementation of other NW-based photovoltaics.
A study of cognitive mapping as a means to improve summarization and comprehension of expository text

Abstract The study investigated the effects of cognitive mapping on written summarization and comprehension of expository text. Fifty‐one freshmen students participated in the study. The mapping treatment consisted of the development of cognitive maps which graphically illustrated the interrelationships of ideas in expository articles the students read. Following the treatment, students read three expository articles in the Organizational Patterns Test (OPT) with the following rhetorical organizations: enumeration, thesis‐proof, and problem‐solution. The mapping treatment groups scored significantly higher on holistic scores based on written summarizations of thesis‐proof and problem‐solution articles. Mapping treatment students also identified more details, which were used to support main ideas, than did nonmapping students. Moreover, mapping treatment groups used significantly more cohesive ties in writing their summarizations than did the nonmapping group. In addition, mapping students wrote longer and...
Nonlinear time series analysis on the offer behaviors observed in an electricity market

In electricity markets where supply and demand drives the price for the purchase and sale of electricity, generating firms change capacity for various reasons including load level, policy, and varying market conditions. These types of fluctuating production patterns can result in the reduction of market efficiency. In an inefficient market, where the price for electricity exceeds marginal cost, the locational marginal price (LMP) is often used to measure market efficiency. Stochastically driven changes in the market are captured by this approach, however, these random changes (frequently observed in efficient markets as well) do not affect market efficiency in the long run. Conversely, a slow, consistent change is not captured by the snap-shot approach and affects the efficiency significantly. Therefore, it is necessary to construct an algorithm that captures only consistent changes that truly affect market efficiency. Fractal analysis can characterize a price behavior in the electricity markets because the price exhibits a self-similarity. Once a system undergoes a change, the fractal dimension of the system reflects the change. In this paper, an approach using nonlinear time series analysis is proposed and tested on actual offer behavior observed in the electricity markets in the United States.
Modulation of the baroreceptor reflex by stimulation of the hypothalamic defense and vigilance areas

Electrical stimulation of the hypothalamic defense area (HDA) elicits a pressor/tachycardia response that is believed to prepare an animal for fight or flight. In contrast, electrical stimulation of the hypothalamic vigilance area (HVA) evokes a pressor/bradycardia response that is associated with the inhibition of movement. The differences in the behavioral components of these two affective response patterns suggest differential modulation of the baroreceptor reflex. The present study tested this idea by assessing the effects of electrical stimulation of the HDA and the HVA upon the bradycardia/depressor response elicited by stimulation of the aortic nerve (AN) in rabbits. Concurrent HDA and AN stimulation was observed to attenuate the AN-elicited bradycardia but enhanced the depressor response elicited by AN stimulation. In contrast, concurrent stimulation of the HVA and AN enhanced the bradycardia elicited by AN stimulation but reduced the magnitude of the AN-elicited depressor response. These results provide evidence for differential modulation of the baroreceptor reflex during the defense and vigilance reactions.
Determination of Tie-Line Fields for Coexisting Lipid Phases: An ESR Study

A novel method we refer to as the tie-line field (TLF) method has been developed to globally determine the tie lines of any three-component two-phase coexistence region by fitting electron-spin resonance (ESR) spectra obtained from compositions on the coexistence curve and within the coexistence region. The TLF method is illustrated by applying it to the liquid-ordered (Lo) and liquid-disordered (Ld) phase coexistence region of the lipid system brain-sphingomyelin/dioleoylphosphatidylcholine/cholesterol (SPM/DOPC/chol), for which an estimate of a tie-line was previously obtained by an earlier method also using ESR spectra. The essential aspect of the TLF method is the unique parametrization of the coexistence region called a “ruled surface”. The use of the ruled surface enables one to guarantee that tie lines do not cross, as required by the phase rule, whereas previous methods lack this important constraint. It also makes simultaneous use of the full data set in determining the TLF and leads to a more ef...
Optimizing filter fiber diameter

Abstract A quality factor by which various filters can be compared is the negative reciprocal of the pressure drop times the logarithm of the penetration, q = ( − 1 ΔP ) ln (Pn) . This factor is extended to the single-fiber level and used to study the problem of finding an optimal fiber diameter, one minimizing penetration for a given pressure drop. The analysis assumes no change in pressure drop or collection efficiency due to particle capture and negligible interaction among the collectors. By analyzing the individual collection mechanism quality factors, it is shown to be optimal for minimizing pressure drop to have impaction parameters near 2 if impaction predominates, to use fibers as small as practicable where interception predominates, or to use fibers as large as practicable where gravitational sedimentation dominates. High-viscosity situations (such as high-temperature filtration) are seen to be inherently less than optimal, in energy usage (except perhaps where diffusion dominates); high-velocity filtration is also inherently less than optimal in energy usage.
The interpersonal needs questionnaire with a shortened response scale for oral administration with older adults

Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to examine the psychometric properties and construct validity of the interpersonal needs questionnaire (INQ) using a modified three-point response scale for oral administration with older adults.Methods: In-home interviews were conducted with 269 participants aged 60 and older who were completing an eligibility interview for a randomized control trial. The INQ was administered orally, as were measures of social support, death and suicide ideation, and meaning in life.Results: A confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated acceptable fit, with all of the items loading significantly onto the associated latent variable of thwarted belongingness or perceived burdensomeness. Construct validity of the measure was supported through an examination of discriminant validity using constructs hypothesized by the interpersonal theory of suicide to be related to the measured constructs, including social support and social integration for thwarted belongingness, social worth and dea...
Guidelines, algorithms, and evidence-based psychopharmacology training for psychiatric residents.

Objective The authors describe a course of instruction for psychiatry residents that attempts to provide the cognitive and informational tools necessary to make scientifically grounded decision making a routine part of clinical practice.
Early appearance of activated matrix metalloproteinase-9 and blood-brain barrier disruption in mice after focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption is thought to play a critical role in the pathophysiology of ischemia/reperfusion. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteolytic enzymes that can degrade all the components of the extracellular matrix when they are activated. Gelatinase A (MMP-2) and gelatinase B (MMP-9) are able to digest the endothelial basal lamina, which plays a major role in maintaining BBB impermeability. The present study examined the expression and activation of gelatinases before and after transient focal cerebral ischemia (FCI) in mice. Adult male CD1 mice were subjected to 60 min FCI and reperfusion. Zymography was performed from 1 to 23 h after reperfusion using the protein extraction method with detergent extraction and affinity-support purification. MMP-9 expression was also examined by both immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis, and tissue inhibitors to metalloproteinase-1 was measured by reverse zymography. The BBB opening was evaluated by the Evans blue extravasation method. The 88-kDa activated MMP-9 was absent from the control specimens, while it appeared 3 h after transient ischemia by zymography. At this time point, the BBB permeability alteration was detected in the ischemic brain. Both pro-MMP-9 (96 kDa) and pro-MMP-2 (72 kDa) were seen in the control specimens, and were markedly increased after FCI. A significant induction of MMP-9 was confirmed by both immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. The early appearance of activated MMP-9, associated with evidence of BBB permeability alteration, suggests that activation of MMP-9 contributes to the early formation of vasogenic edema after transient FCI.
An integrated electronic colon cleansing for CT colonoscopy via MAP-EM segmentation and scale-based scatter correction

Orally administered tagging agents are usually used in CT colonography (CTC) to differentiate residual bowel content from native colonic structure. However, the high-density contrast agents tend to introduce the scatter effect on neighboring soft tissues and elevate their observed CT attenuation values toward that of the tagged materials (TMs), which may result in an excessive electronic colon cleansing (ECC) where pseudo-enhanced soft tissues are incorrectly identified as TMs. To address this issue, we integrated a scale-based scatter correction as a preprocessing procedure into our previous ECC pipeline based on the maximum a posteriori expectation-maximization (MAP-EM) partial volume segmentation. The newly proposed ECC scheme takes into account both scatter effect and partial volume effect that commonly appear in CTC images. We evaluated the new method with 10 patient CTC studies and found improved performance. Our results suggest that the proposed strategy is effective with potentially significant benefits for both clinical CTC examinations and automatic computer-aided detection (CAD) of colon polyps.
Merging C and assembly language in microcontroller applications

Abstract A number of microcomputer and microcontroller applications have small production runs or require quick prototyping to allow for concurrent development of other parts of the system which depend on functional, if not final, code. In these cases, the ease, speed, and reduced errors associated with coding the operating program in a high-level language justify its usage. The reduction in non-recurring engineering costs more than compensates for the increased recurring product costs and therefore makes sense from a total cost perspective. A model of the software design cycle is introduced here which considers software development as starting at the highest language level possible and only those sections of code which require streamlining for reasons of increased execution speed or reduced program storage being re-coded into assembly language. Examples are given of how to use the C language to directly address hardware components and memory and how to effectively link assembly language and C into a single functional program.
GOPEX: a laser uplink to the Galileo spacecraft on its way to Jupiter

In the Galileo Optical Experiment (GOPEX), optical transmissions were beamed to the Galileo spacecraft by Earth-based transmitters at Table Mountain Observatory (TMO), California, and Starfire Optical Range (SOR), New Mexico. The demonstration took place over an eight-day period (December 9 through December 16) as Galileo receded from Earth on its way to Jupiter. At 6 million kilometers (15 times the Earth-Moon distance), the laser beam sent from Table Mountain Observatory eight days after Earth flyby covered the longest known range for laser transmission and detection.
An Analysis of Phase Noise in Transformer-Based Dual-Tank Oscillators

This paper introduces a new phase noise analysis for one-port and two-port dual mode transformer-based (T-based) oscillators. In this paper we differentiate through linear time variant analysis between the noise response of L-based oscillators and dual-tank dual-mode T-based oscillators. Through derivations, we show that the open loop quality factor definition, commonly used in LC oscillators, is not a valid alternative definition for quality factor in T-based oscillators. We derive the traditional quality factor and the open loop quality factor for both the one- and two-port T-based oscillators. In addition, we investigate through calculation and simulation the impulse sensitivity function (ISF) for noise in the signal path of differential T-based oscillators. SpectreRF noise simulations are then used to verify the derived ISFs in one- and two-port models of T-based oscillators. Finally a case study of a dual-mode T-based oscillator is implemented in a commercially available 130 nm technology. The oscillator is used as an example to show how the different quality factors can affect phase noise performance in the two modes of oscillation available in transformer-based oscillators.
Star-gas density waves in spiral galaxies

The steady state dynamics of spiral galaxies is analyzed as a two-component system consisting of stars and gas within the framework of the WKB density wave theory. The gravitational influence of the gas is included for the first time in a steady state calculation. The full set of equations for a star-gas galaxy is presented, and the equations are analyzed for small-amplitude forcing. Wave properties near the solar circle are examined, and it is found that the large-scale gas shock disappears for gas content above 8 percent. Instead, gas density profiles change to highly symmetric shapes as a result of the action of the gas self-gravity. The stellar wave is damped by the torque exerted by the gas.
Liquid surface profiles in contact with symmetrical solid surfaces

Abstract The differential equations describing two- and three-dimensional liquid profiles between symmetrical solids and other surfaces are solved for several cases of interest. Experimental and theoretical results are compared for two of the cases and found to be in good agreement.
Calcium uptake by Bacillus megaterium mutant strains unable to sporulate.

Abstract 1. 1. Calcium uptake was examined in mutant strains of Bacillus megaterium unable to sporulate because of the absence of dipicolinic acid synthesis. 2. 2. Calcium uptake in the mutant strains was independent of dipicolinic acid synthesis. 3. 3. Calcium accumulation in the mutants increased when dipicolinate was added. 4. 4. Calcium was released from the mutant cells after reaching a maximum level of its accumulation.
Applying the Balanced Scorecard to Education

Although the application of the balanced scorecard (BSC) in the business sector is well documented, very little research has been reported regarding the adaptation or application of the BSC in the education sector. In this article, the authors (a) describe how the Baldrige Education Criteria for Performance Excellence has adapted the concept of the BSC to education and (b) discuss significant differences as well as similarities between the BSC for business and the BSC for education. The authors also present examples of the BSCs of three Baldrige Education Award recipients.
Generalized activites and the Tutte polynomial

Abstract The notion of activities with respect to spanning trees in graphs was introduced by W.T. Tutte, and generalized to activities with respect to bases in matroids by H. Crapo. We present a further generalization, to activities with respect to arbitrary subsets of matroids. These generalized activities provide a unified view of several different expansions of the Tutte polynomial and the chromatic polynomial.
GM1 gangliosides stimulate neuronal reorganization and reduce rotational asymmetry after hemitransections of the nigro-striatal pathway

The effects of monosialoganglioside (GM1) injections on neuronal reorganization and behavioral recovery were studied in rats with unilateral transections of the nigro-striatal pathway. In Experiment 1, animals were treated daily with injections of saline or GM1 for not more than 14 days. At 2 days after surgery, GM1-treated animals exhibited less amphetamine-induced rotational asymmetry than did saline treated counterparts. This difference was still apparent at day 12, but vanished at post-operative day 39. Apomorphine-induced rotational asymmetry was equal in both groups at day 15, but by day 42, asymmetries increased in saline controls while remaining unchanged in GM1-treated animals. Rats were killed at either post-operative days 3, 15, or 45 after having received injections of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into the denervated caudate nucleus. The number of neurons labelled by retrograde HRP-transport were counted in the ipsilateral substantia nigra pars compacta (iSNc), ipsilateral ventral tegmental area (iVTA), frontal cortex, and in the contralateral substantia nigra pars compacta (cSNc). Anterograde transport was also examined in the ipsilateral substantia nigra pars reticulata (iSNr). A significant loss of retrograde labelling in iSNc and iVTA was observed for both groups at post-operative day 3. At day 15, however, GM1-treated animals showed more labelling in these structures as well as in the cSNc. At 45 days after surgery comparable labelling was seen in both lesion groups. The total area of anterograde HRP-labelling in the iSNr significantly increased over time, with no differences between treatment groups. In Experiment 2, rats given the same hemitransections as in Experiment 1, were treated with daily injections of saline or GM1 for 14 days, and then received unilateral injections of 6-hydroxydopamine into the iSNc and iVTA. Nine days later, brain tissue was stained for examination of anterograde degeneration. Significantly more degenerating axons and terminals were found in the caudate nucleus of GM1-treated rats than in salinetreated controls. We propose that the early reduction of behavioral deficits may be related to a ganglioside-induced reduction of secondary degeneration or edema. The effect of gangliosides on later behavioral recovery is to accelerate neuronal reorganization. This reorganization probably involves terminal proliferation of ascending, intact striatal afferents spared by the hemitransection.
Dexamethasone therapy in neonates treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Abstract Objective To test the hypothesis that infants who received dexamethasone would have a shorter length of time on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Study design Infants placed on ECMO for respiratory failure were randomly assigned to receive either dexamethasone for 3 days or placebo. Chest radiographs were scored through the use of a validated standard scoring system to assess lung injury. Results Thirty infants received dexamethasone and 29 received placebo. The median (25th%, 75th%) duration of time on ECMO was 143.5 (100, 313) hours in the dexamethasone group and 160 (111, 303) hours in the placebo group (not significant). Survival was 80% in the dexamethasone group and 83% in the placebo group. Radiographic lung injury scores (mean±SEM) were significantly improved in the dexamethasone group (10.5±0.6) versus placebo (12.3±0.5) on day 3 of ECMO ( P =.013). Hypertension developed in 27 of the 30 infants receiving dexamethasone and 13 of the 29 infants in the placebo group during ECMO ( P Conclusions Dexamethasone given during the first 3 days of ECMO results in significant improvement in lung injury scores by day 3 of ECMO but does not significantly decrease the duration of ECMO or improve survival. The preponderance of evidence would not support the use of dexamethasone in this setting.
Design of a secure packet processor

Programmability in the data path of routers provides the basis for modern router implementations that can adapt to new functional requirements. This programmability is typically achieved through software-programmable packet processing systems. One key concern with the proliferation of these programmable devices throughout the Internet is the potential impact of software vulnerabilities that can be exploited remotely. We present a design and proof-of-concept implementation of a packet processing system that uses two security techniques to defend against potential attacks: a processing monitor is used to track operations on each processor core to detect attacks at the processing instruction level; an I/O monitor is used to track operations of the router to detect attacks at the protocol level. Our prototype implementation on the NetFPGA system shows that these monitors can be implemented to operate at high data rates and with little additional hardware resources.
Stimulus-seeking behavior in hyperactive and nonhyperactive children

Auditory and visual stimulus-seeking behavior was measured in hyperactive and nonhyperactive youngsters. The design controlled for motor activity level. The results indicate that hyperactive children preferred auditory stimulation more than the control children. There were no differences in stimulus-seeking preferences in the visual modality. The groups did not differ in motor activity. It was concluded that abnormally high needs for stimulation are important in hyperactivity.
[pyH](2)[Cu(py)(4)(MX(6))(2)] (MX(6) = ZrF(6)(2)(-), NbOF(5)(2-), MoO(2)F(4)(2)(-); py = Pyridine): Rarely Observed Ordering of Metal Oxide Fluoride Anions.

Single crystals of [pyH](2)[Cu(py)(4)(MX(6))(2)] (MX(6) = ZrF(6)(2)(-), MoO(2)F(4)(2)(-); py = pyridine), analogous to those of the previously reported [pyH](2)[Cu(py)(4)(NbOF(5))(2)], were synthesized by reaction of the metal oxides in (HF)(x)().pyridine/pyridine/water solutions (150 degrees C, autogeneous pressure). The NbOF(5)(2)(-) and MoO(2)F(4)(2)(-) anions generally crystallize with orientational disorder masking the true coordination geometry. The combination of the two different and strongly coordinating cations tetrakis(pyridine)copper(II) and pyridinium causes the anions to adopt regular and ordered orientations. Crystal data: for [pyH](2)[Cu(py)(4)(ZrF(6))(2)], tetragonal, space group I4/mmm (No. 139), with a = 11.047(1) A, c = 16.763(3) A, and Z = 2; for [pyH](2)[Cu(py)(4)(MoO(2)F(4))(2)], monoclinic, space group C2/c (No. 15), with a = 19.195(4) A, b = 11.316(3) A, c = 18.920(5) A, beta = 107.68(2) degrees, and Z = 4.
A STUDY OF HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS: IMPLICATIONS FOR CURRICULUM

This article presents an approach to human behavior curriculum that requires students to achieve the purpose outlined in the Council on Social Work Education's 2008 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards to "distinguish, appraise, and integrate multiple sources of knowledge, including research-based knowledge." It emphasizes and allows for critical thinking about knowledge relevant to trauma, resilience, and survivorship, providing empirically based information to support risk and resilience theory in an ecological, life course perspective. Information from a study of Nazi Holocaust survivors is used to illustrate how personal development, family functioning, and community support occur under the most severe stress. Survivor quotes illuminate the life course perspective as a means of thinking about how individuals maintain competence into old age.
The solubility of lanthanum sulphate in sulphuric acid solutions at elevated temperatures

Abstract The solubility of La2(SO4)3 was measured in 0·234, 0·471 and 0·714 m H2SO4 solutions in the temperature range 120–175°C. It was found that even in this case of a 3-2 valent salt the variation of the molality solubility product with ionic strength could be expressed by a single-parameter expression of the Debye-Huckel type, as was found in previous studies of the solubility of Ag2SO4 in H2SO4. In addition to this parameter the solubility of La2(SO4)3 in water, which could not be measured in this temperature range due to hydrolysis, was calculated from the least squares fit of the data.
Interanimal task transfer as a function of dosage of brain and liver RNA injections

The effects of three different dosages of “trained” brain and liver RNA were tested for specific interanimal task transfer. Nine rats were trained to criterion in an operant chamber to approach a food cup when a click was sounded. Thirty-six donor-isolated RNA extractions were taken from the brains and livers of these rats and subsequently divided into three dosages (.3 mg,.6 mg, and 1.2 mg) within each of four treatment groups: RNase-treated brains and livers— control brains (CB) and control livers (CL), and non-RNase-treated brains and livers—trained brains (TB) and trained livers (TL). These 36 trained donor extracts were separately injected intraperitioneally into 36 naive rats. Those rats receiving injections of “trained” RNA from either brain or liver showed a significant (p <.01) tendency to respond more frequently than did RNase-treated controls. The strength of the response transferred was positively related to the quantity of RNA injected, with higher dosages producing better performance.
Detecting microbial N-limitation in tussock tundra soil: Implications for Arctic soil organic carbon cycling

Abstract More than a third of the global soil organic carbon (SOC) pool is estimated to be stored in northern latitudes. While the primary regulators of microbially-mediated decomposition in physically unprotected organic soils are typically attributed to abiotic factors ( e.g. temperature and moisture), in extremely nutrient-poor environments such as the Alaskan Arctic tussock tundra, evidence from field studies suggests that low N-availability may also strongly limit microbial growth, and thus the rate of SOC decomposition. However, there have been few direct tests of microbial nutrient-limitation, particularly in Arctic systems. We predicted that during the Arctic summer growing season, when both plants and microbes are competing for mineralized nutrients, N-availability in tussock tundra soil is so low that it will limit microbial biomass production, and thus decomposition potential. We tested this prediction by adding N and C to tussock tundra organic soil and tracking microbial responses to these additions. We used a combination of approaches to identify microbial N-limitation, including changes in microbial biomass, C-mineralization, substrate use efficiency, and extracellular enzyme activity. The Arctic soil's microbial community demonstrated strong signals of N-limitation, with N-addition increasing all aspects of decomposition tested, including extracellular enzyme activity, the rate-limiting step in decomposition. The corresponding C-addition experiment did not similarly influence the microbial activity of the tundra soil. These results suggest that tundra SOC decomposition is at least seasonally constrained by N-availability through microbial N-limitation. Therefore, explicitly including N as a regulator of microbial growth in this N-poor system is critical to accurately modeling the effects of climatic warming on Arctic SOC decomposition rates.
Intracellular mechanisms involved in short-term regulation of net protein synthesis in pancreatic acini

The mechanisms regulating the net synthesis of digestive enzymes during short-term stimulation by agonists were examined in pancreatic acini isolated from the rat. Dispersed pancreatic acini were stimulated for up to 60 min with various concentrations of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-OP), carbachol, A23187, 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). The effects of these agonists on net protein synthesis was determined by measuring the incorporation of [3H]leucine or [35S]methionine into protein. Carbachol, PMA, A23187 and concentrations of CCK-OP of 100 pM and greater caused inhibition of protein synthesis. Fluorography of [35S]methionine labeled acinar cell proteins separated by one-dimensional SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated that the agonists inhibited the synthesis of the digestive enzymes. Northern blot analysis using cDNA probes revealed that CCK-OP, carbachol and PMA did not alter the cellular content of amylase, lipase and elastase mRNA. The protein kinase C inhibitors 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7) and staurosporine failed to reverse the inhibitory effects of CCK-OP, carbachol and PMA on protein synthesis. CCK-OP and PMA activated phospholipase A (PLA) which liberated lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and free fatty acids from membrane phosphatidylcholine. Exogenously added PLA2 (Naja naja venom) inhibited protein synthesis and increased LPC to a similar extent as CCK and PMA. The results suggest that the inhibitory effects of CCK and carbachol on net protein synthesis are due to their effects on intracellular calcium and PLA-mediated breakdown of phosphatidylcholine rather than protein kinase C activation.
A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Opiate Antagonist, Naltrexone, in the Treatment of Kleptomania

Background Kleptomania is a rare psychiatric disorder characterized by recurrent stealing and for which there exists no empirically validated treatments. This study examined the efficacy and tolerability of the opioid antagonist naltrexone in adults with kleptomania who have urges to steal. Methods An 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral naltrexone for kleptomania. Twenty-five individuals with DSM-IV kleptomania were randomized to naltrexone (dosing ranging from 50 mg/day to 150 mg/day) or placebo. Twenty-three subjects (92%) completed the study. Subjects were assessed every 2 weeks with the Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Modified for Kleptomania (K-YBOCS), the urge and behavior subscales of the K-YBOCS, the Kleptomania Symptom Assessment Scale (K-SAS), the Clinical Global Impressions Scale (CGI), and measures of depression, anxiety, and psychosocial functioning. Results Subjects assigned to naltrexone had significantly greater reductions in K-YBOCS total scores ( p = .001), stealing urges ( p = .032), and stealing behavior ( p p Conclusions Naltrexone demonstrated statistically significant reductions in stealing urges and behavior in kleptomania. Naltrexone was well tolerated.
An Experimental Study of Ensemble Systems on Cancellable Iris

This paper presents an analysis of applying ensemble systems in revocable biometric recognition. Biometric-based systems are the eminent future of the identification techniques and users access control. However, there is still much progress to be done in this field, specially related to systems security. One alternative to the security problem in biometric data is a technique known as cancellable biometrics. This technique consists of applying a transformation on the biometric data in order to protect the original characteristics. This work aims to investigate the use of ensembles systems in the recognition of cancellable biometrics in Iris data. The main goal is to analyse the advantages that the use of cancellable transformation functions may bring to biometric identification systems.
Nonmedical Prescription Drug Use Comorbidity: Developing a Cohesive Risk Model

Nonmedical Prescription Drug Use (NMPDU) is a growing issue world-wide. Previously, NMPDU comorbidity has been investigated using bivariate approaches, providing a piecemeal understanding of NMPDU’s relationship to other mental disorders. We investigate how NMPDU fits within the multivariate meta-structure of psychiatric comorbidity and how this might vary as a function of gender. Data were collected as part of the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) in 2001–2002 on 43,093 individuals 18 years or older living in the US. The Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule DSM-IV version IV (AUDADIS-IV) assessed psychiatric diagnoses and sedative, tranquilizer, opioid, and amphetamine NMPDU. Using confirmatory factor analysis, NMPDU was introduced into the internalizing-externalizing model of common mental disorders to determine where it best fits. Models were examined separately for men and women and tested for gender invariance. NMPDU was strongly associated with the externalizing factor, and also showed a very small secondary association with the fear subfactor of internalizing. This structure was gender invariant. Differences between men and women’s prevalence rates originate at the level of the latent factors. Results indicate a shared liability to NMPDU and other forms of externalizing psychopathology such as other substance use disorders, as well as antisocial behaviors. Research on NMPDU can benefit from focusing on the externalizing factor, aiming to understand how risk factors for diverse externalizing disorders may also manifest as NMPDU. Prescribers should be particularly attentive to the presence of the entire spectrum of externalizing disorders, as they may signal risk for NMPDU.
103Pd strings: Monte Carlo assessment of a new approach to brachytherapy source design

Purpose: A new type of103Pd source (CivaString and CivaThin by CivaTech Oncology, Inc.) is examined. The source contains 103Pd and Au radio-opaque marker(s), all contained within low-Z eff organic polymers that permit source flexibility. The CivaString source is available in lengths L of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 mm, and referred to in the current study as CS10–CS60, respectively. A thinner design, CivaThin, has sources designated as CT10–CT60, respectively. The CivaString and CivaThin sources are 0.85 and 0.60 mm in diameter, respectively. The source design is novel and offers an opportunity to examine its interesting dosimetric properties in comparison to conventional 103Pd seeds. Methods: The MCNP5 radiation transport code was used to estimate air-kerma rate and dose rate distributions with polar and cylindrical coordinate systems. Doses in water and prostate tissue phantoms were compared to determine differences between the TG-43 formalism and realistic clinical circumstances. The influence of Ti encapsulation and 2.7 keV photons was examined. The accuracy of superposition of dose distributions from shorter sources to create longer source dose distributions was also assessed. Results: The normalized air-kerma rate was not highly dependent onL or the polar angle θ, with results being nearly identical between the CivaString and CivaThin sources for common L. The air-kerma strength was also weakly dependent on L. The uncertainty analysis established a standard uncertainty of 1.3% for the dose-rate constant Λ, where the largest contributors were μ en/ρ and μ/ρ. The Λ values decreased with increasing L, which was largely explained by differences in solid angle. The radial dose function did not substantially vary among the CivaString and CivaThin sources for r ≥ 1 cm. However, behavior for r < 1 cm indicated that the Au marker(s) shielded radiation for the sources having L = 10, 30, and 50 mm. The 2D anisotropy function exhibited peaks and valleys that corresponded to positions adjacent to 103Pd wells and Au markers, respectively. Dose distributions of both source types had minimal anisotropy in comparison to conventional 103Pd seeds. Contributions by 2.7 keV photons comprised ≤0.1% of the dose from all photons at positions farther than 0.13 mm from the polymer source surface. Differences between absorbed dose to water and prostate became more substantial as distance from the sources increased, with prostate dose being about 13% lower for r = 5 cm. Using a cylindrical coordinate system, dose superposition of small length sources to replicate the dose distribution for a long length source proved to be a robust technique; a 2.0% tolerance compared with the reference dose distribution did not exceed 0.1 cm3 for any of the examined source combinations. Conclusions: By design, the CivaString and CivaThin sources have novel dosimetric characteristics in comparison to Ti-encapsulated103Pd seeds. The dosimetric characterization has determined the reasons for these differences through analysis using Monte Carlo-based radiation transport simulations.
Human breast milk stimulates low density lipoprotein (LDL) binding to human skin fibroblasts in culture

Human breast milk incorporated at 1% concentration into the culture medium significantly (p<0.05) increased the binding of 125I-LDL to receptors of human skin fibroblasts in culture. Homogenized cows milk and infant formula (Similac) also possessed this stimulating property. The stimulating activity of milk persisted after dialysis and extraction with cold acetone. These preliminary studies suggest that milk might contain potent factor(s) influencing cholesterol metabolic process in early life.
Identification of a retinoic acid response element upstream of the rat α-fetoprotein gene

Abstract Retinoic acid (RA) is known to have potent effects on development and differentiation. α-Fetoprotein (AFP), an oncodevelopmental protein, is transcriptionally activated by RA in several cell lines, but little is known about the mechanism of RA regulation of AFP gene expression. In the present study, we have identified a RA response element (RARE) in the 5'-flanking region of the AFP gene. Using deletion mapping, the RARE was located between -6337 to -6266 of the rat AFP 5'-flanking region, which confers RA responsiveness in a heterologous promoter. Further sequence analysis of this cis-acting element demonstrated a RARE direct repeat sequence of AGGTCA and RARE-like motifs at -6327 and -6319, respectively. This far upstream RARE (AFP-RARE1) can specifically bind to both RAR and RXR proteins in gel mobility shift assays. In co-transfections with RARα, β, γ and RXRα expression vectors, a reporter gene construct consisting of the AFP-RARE l sequence ligated upstream of the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene showed strong RA responsiveness to RARα and RXRα with 15- and 25-fold increases in CAT activity, respectively. Furthermore, responsiveness of AFP-RARE l to RA was independent of orientation. These studies present a novel target for RA action by identifying a RARE in the AFP gene.
The effect of oral sodium fluoride on aortic phosphate in experimental atherosclerosis

Abstract A preliminary experiment has been performed in which sodium fluoride was fed to a group of rabbits with induced atherosclerosis. Comparison of the aortas of this group to those of an untreated atherosclerotic group shows a sharp drop in the TCA soluble phosphate content toward normal values, a tendency for normalization of phospholipid levels and a trend to regression of the gross, visible atherosclerosis. The hypothesis is posed that these findings are probably mediated through parathyroid activity as has been stipulated elsewhere for the ameliorating effect of MgEDTA on induced atherosclerosis.
Quantification of the Binding Tendencies of Cholestyramine II: Mechanism of Interaction with Bile Salt and Fatty Acid Salt Anions

The binding of a series of conjugated bile salt and fatty acid salt anions to cholestyramine from aqueous media was investigated and the data were plotted according to the Langmuir adsorption equation. Increases in affinity constants were noted as the number of hydroxy substituents on the bile salt-ring structure decreased. An increase in the chain length of the fatty acid salt caused a corresponding increase in the affinity constant, whereas an increase in the extent of unsaturation in the fatty acid chain produced a reduction in the affinity constants for the fatty acid-cholestyramine interaction. Apparent surface tension-lowering properties of the adsorbate molecules were found to parallel the affinities obtained for both classes of adsorbate molecules, with the exception of the fatty acid anion, linoleate. Based on the results of these studies, it is suggested that the binding mechanism involves a primary electrostatic component reinforced by a secondary nonelectrostatic interaction, the strength of the latter force being dependent on the degree of hydrophobicity of the adsorbate molecule.
Isolation of methylcarbamoyl-adducts of adenine and cytosine following in vitro reaction of methyl isocyanate with calf thymus DNA

Abstract Methylisocyanate (MIC) is the direct-acting acylating compound involved in the Bhopal, India disaster which occurred on December 3rd, 1984. The accidental release of MIC resulted in at least 2000 deaths, thousands of injuries and exposure of at least 200 000 people to varying amounts of MIC. We have studied how MIC reacts with 2′-deoxyribonucleosides at pH 7.0 and 37°C for 1 h. MIC acylates exocyclic amino groups resulting in the following methylcarbamoyl (MC) adducts: N 6 -MC-Ade (0.5% yield) and N 4 -MC-dCyd (6%). No adducts were detected with dThd and dGuo. UV, NMR and mass spectrometry were employed to spectroscopically characterize these adducts. MIC was reacted with calf thymus DNA (pH 7.0, 37°C, 1 h) and yielded N 6 -MC-Ade (0.3 nmol/mg DNA) and N 4 -MC-dCyd (2.0 nmol/mg DNA). The inability of others to observe genetic mutations by MIC in Salmonella and Drosophila is consistent with the exocyclic adducts at N 4 of Cyt and N 6 of Ade where normal hydrogen bonding can occur after rotation of the methylcarbamoyl group anti to the Watson-Crick side of the molecule assuming that MIC binds to DNA within the intact cell.
Evaluating public health uses of health information exchange

Health information exchange (HIE) initiatives are in various stages of development across the United States. They aim to bring previously unavailable clinical data from patients' disparate health records, which may be spread over multiple provider and payer networks, to the point of care where clinicians and their patients need it most. The implications of these initiatives on public health are numerous. This article provides general evaluation methods for measuring the impact of HIE on public health in six use cases: (1) mandated reporting of laboratory diagnoses, (2) mandated reporting of physician-based diagnoses, (3) public health investigation, (4) disease-based non-reportable laboratory data, (5) antibiotic-resistant organism surveillance, and (6) population-level quality monitoring.
Convergent evolution of metabolic roles in bacterial co-symbionts of insects

A strictly host-dependent lifestyle has profound evolutionary consequences for bacterial genomes. Most prominent is a sometimes-dramatic amount of gene loss and genome reduction. Recently, highly reduced genomes from the co-resident intracellular symbionts of sharpshooters were shown to exhibit a striking level of metabolic interdependence. One symbiont, called Sulcia muelleri (Bacteroidetes), can produce eight of the 10 essential amino acids, despite having a genome of only 245 kb. The other, Baumannia cicadellinicola (gamma-Proteobacteria), can produce the remaining two essential amino acids as well as many vitamins. Cicadas also contain the symbiont Sulcia, but lack Baumannia and instead contain the co-resident symbiont Hodgkinia cicadicola (alpha-Proteobacteria). Here we report that, despite at least 200 million years of divergence, the two Sulcia genomes have nearly identical gene content and gene order. Additionally, we show that despite being phylogenetically distant and drastically different in genome size and architecture, Hodgkinia and Baumannia have converged on gene sets conferring similar capabilities for essential amino acid biosynthesis, in both cases precisely complementary to the pathways conserved in Sulcia. In contrast, they have completely divergent capabilities for vitamin biosynthesis. Despite having the smallest gene set known in bacteria, Hodgkinia devotes at least 7% of its proteome to cobalamin (vitamin B(12)) biosynthesis, a significant metabolic burden. The presence of these genes can be explained by Hodgkinia's retention of the cobalamin-dependent version of methionine synthase instead of the cobalamin-independent version found in Baumannia, a situation that necessitates retention of cobalamin biosynthetic capabilities to make the essential amino acid methionine.
Squeeze Flow Rheometry for Rheological Characterization of Energetic Formulations

The rheological characterization and the determination of the parameters describing the shear viscosity and wall slip behavior of energetic materials is a challenge. Some of the conventional rheometers including various rotational rheometers are not capable of deforming typical energetic formulations with their gel binders and high degrees of particulate fill. Other available rheometers are not conducive to rheological characterization of energetic formulations in the vicinity of the manufacturing operation with the data to be used immediately for quality control. Squeeze flow provides significant advantages in safety of materials handling and exposure as well as providing easy data generation for routine quality control of energetic formulations being processed. Here the basic hardware is reviewed along with the methods for the analysis of raw data to determine the parameters of the shear viscosity and the wall slip of energetic formulations. It is suggested that appropriate analytical and numerical anal...