cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TOXICITY OF SOIL DISPERSING AGENTS DETERMINED IN A CIRCULATING AQUARIUM SYSTEM

ABSTRACT The toxicity of two non-ionic oil-dispersing agents was determined on a number of marine species: the edible mussel Mytilis edulis, winter flounder, soft shell clam, mummichog, Atlantic silversides and fourth stage lobster larvae. The bioassay system used consisted of a series of storage reservoirs and exposure tanks with a total volume of 112 liters. Water movement was provided by a series of marine aquarium pumps which circulated water at a rate of 4 liters/min. Additional aeration was not required for the mummichog, mussel or fourth stage lobster larvae. At 20°C, TL 50's calculated from 24 to 96 hours fell between 30 and 75 mg/1, with no significant difference in toxicity between the two dispersants. At 5°C, toxicity in the mummichog was significantly lower; this may be explained by the accompanying higher oxygen levels. The advantages of the circulating aquarium system in relation to the static and continuous-flow bioassay systems are discussed.
The non-7% solution

Abstract While the vast majority of underwriters charge a gross spread of exactly 7%, as documented in Chen and Ritter (2000) , more than a third charge something other than 7%. Among offerings of $50 million and below where underwriters charge the firm other than 7%, two-thirds of issuers pay more than published NASD 1 compensation guidelines. When underwriters charge less than expected, they do not trade-off IPO compensation with underpricing. However, our evidence suggests a trade-off between IPO compensation and future SEO business among underwriters that charge something other than 7% and less than expected. Underwriters that overcharge may provide a signal to investors about future underperformance.
Low incidence of fatigue after hypofractionated stereotactic body radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer.

Background: Fatigue is a common side-effect of conventional prostate cancer radiation therapy. The increased delivery precision necessitated by the high dose per fraction of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) offers the potential of reduce target volumes and hence the exposure of normal tissues to high radiation doses. Herein, we examine the level of fatigue associated with SBRT treatment. Methods: Forty patients with localized prostate cancer treated with hypofractionated SBRT, and a minimum of 12 months follow-up were included in this analysis. Self-reported fatigue and other quality of life measures were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-SBRT. Results: Mean levels of fatigue were elevated at 1 month post-SBRT compared to baseline values (p=0.02). Fatigue at the 3-month follow-up and later were higher but not statistically significantly different compared to baseline. African-American patients reported higher fatigue post-SBRT than Caucasian patients. Fatigue was correlated with hormonal symptoms as measured by the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) quality of life questionnaire, but not with urinary, bowel, or sexual symptoms. Age, co-morbidities, smoking, prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels, testosterone levels, and tumor stage were not associated with fatigue. Conclusion: This is the first study to investigate fatigue as a side-effect of SBRT. In contrast to standard radiation therapy, results suggest SBRT-related fatigue is short-term rather than a long-term side effect of SBRT. These results also suggest post-SBRT fatigue to be a more frequent complication in African-Americans than Caucasians.
Dopaminergic modulation of reproductive behavior and activity in male zebra finches

We previously demonstrated that hormone treatments which stimulate female-directed singing increased levels and turnover of dopamine (DA) in brain areas controlling the motor patterning of song. To help determine how DA affects singing, we quantified the effects of treating adult male finches with the D1/D2 receptor antagonist cis-flupenthixol. Adult males were given subcutaneous silastic implants of androgen, in case drug treatment interfered with androgen secretion. One week later, they were tested with females. Males were divided into three groups matched for levels of courtship singing. Males were then subcutaneously implanted with osmotic minipumps containing either saline, a low, or a high dose of cis-flupenthixol. Each male was tested with a different female 5 and 10 days after implantation to determine how this D1/D2 receptor antagonist affected behavior. Both drug doses affected female-directed singing 5 days after initiation of treatment. High-dose males sang to females significantly less often than males in the other two groups. Low-dose males showed fewer high-intensity courtship displays in which males dance towards females as they sing. These effects on courtship singing were not seen at day 10, though other behavioral effects were seen at this time. Male beak wipes, rocks, following females and female withdrawals from males were also affected by drug treatment. General activity in the home cage was decreased by day 11. These data demonstrate that singing and several other female-directed behaviors are sensitive to perturbations in DA receptor function.
Effect of N‐Acetylcysteine Supplementation on Intracellular Glutathione, Urine Isoprostanes, Clinical Score, and Survival in Hospitalized Ill Dogs

Background Antioxidant depletion and lipid peroxidation have been correlated with disease severity and associated with poor outcomes. Hypothesis/Objectives Supplementing dogs with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) during the first 48 hours of hospitalization will increase cysteine, normalize glutathione concentrations, and decrease the degree of lipid peroxidation associated with illness. Animals Sixty systemically ill hospitalized client-owned dogs and 14 healthy control dogs. Methods Randomized investigator-blinded, placebo-controlled prospective study. Dogs were randomized to treatment with NAC (n = 30) versus placebo (n = 30). Antioxidants, urine 8-isoprostane/creatinine (IP/Cr), and clinical score were determined before and after treatment with NAC. Glutathione, cysteine, and vitamin E concentrations were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Atomic absorption spectroscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to quantify selenium and isoprostane concentrations, respectively. Results Ill dogs had significantly lower vitamin E concentrations (27 versus 55 μg/mL; P = .0005) as well as elevated IP/Cr ratios (872 versus 399 pg/mg; P = .0007) versus healthy dogs. NAC supplementation significantly increased plasma cysteine (8.67 versus 15.1 μM; P < .0001) while maintaining glutathione concentrations. Dogs in the placebo group experienced a statistically significant decrease in glutathione concentrations (1.49 versus 1.44 mM; P = .0463). Illness severity and survival were unchanged after short duration NAC supplementation. Conclusions Ill dogs experience systemic oxidative stress. Supplementation with NAC during the first 48 hours of hospitalization stabilized erythrocyte glutathione concentrations. The clinical impact of this supplementation and glutathione concentration stabilization was undetermined.
Integrated square-wave electrochemical detection of biogenic amines in soybean seeds following their separations by liquid chromatography

Abstract A strategy for electrochemical detection (ED), based on digital integration of the current response at a Au electrode resulting from a square potential–time waveform, is applied for the direct detection of organic polyamines in complex samples following their separations using cation-exchange liquid chromatography (CELC). The samples consist of soybean extracts and are injected in acidic media to facilitate adsorption on the cation-exchange chromatographic phase. Alkaline buffer is mixed with the chromatographic effluent to facilitate ED. Whereas emphasis is given to the CELC–ED methodology, comparison is made with the more traditional application of photometric detection (PD) of the derivatized amines following their separation by reversed phase liquid chromatography (RPLC). Estimated detection limits are significantly lower for CELC–ED in comparison with RPLC–PD. For example, detection limits (25 μl injections) for 1,4-diaminopropane (putrescine) are 200 and 8000 pmoles for CELC–ED and RPLC–PD, respectively. Detection limits for 1,5-diaminopentane (cadavarine) are 190 and 9000 pmoles for CELC–ED and RPLC–PD, respectively. Furthermore, baseline drift under the associated gradient elution programs, is significantly less for CELC–ED in comparison to RPLC–PD.
Using the Discrete Fourier Transform to Analyze the Convergence of Subdivision Schemes

Abstract While the continuous Fourier transform is a well-established standard tool for the analysis of subdivision schemes, we present a new technique based on the discrete Fourier transform instead. We first prove a very general convergence criterion for arbitrary interpolatory schemes, i.e., for nonstationary, globally supported, or even nonlinear schemes. Then we use the discrete Fourier transform as an algebraic tool to transform subdivision schemes into a form suitable for the analysis. This allows us to formulate simple and numerically stable sufficient criteria for the convergence of subdivision schemes of very general type. We analyze some example schemes to illustrate the resulting easy-to-apply criteria which merely require to numerically estimate the maximum of a smooth function on a compact interval.
Characteristics in response rates for surveys administered to surgery residents.

Background Surveys are important research tools that permit the accumulation of information from large samples that would otherwise be impractical to collect. Resident surveys have been used frequently to monitor the quality of postgraduate training. Low response rates threaten the utility of this research tool. The purpose of this study was to determine the standard response rate of surveys administered to surgery residents and identify characteristics associated with achieving greater response rates. Methods A search of peer-reviewed literature published between September 2003 and June 2011 was performed with the use of PubMed with Medical Subject Headings: “internship and residency,” “surgery,” “data collection,” and “questionnaires.” For inclusion, articles must have described a survey given to active surgery residents within the United States. Surveys were evaluated based on the following criteria: population size, response rate, incentive use, follow-up use, survey format (online vs paper), and institution versus national. Results Of 433 initial results, 47 met inclusion criteria with a mean response rate of 65.3%. Surveys administered in paper format had a greater response rate compared with those given electronically (mean 78.6% vs 36.4%, respectively, P Conclusion Our review demonstrated that paper surveys administered at the institutional level and during assemblies integrated into residents’ schedules demonstrated enhanced response rates. The validity and generalizability of data collected through such surveys will improve as the aspects which dictate response rate are better understood and implemented.
Form-Oriented Inflectional Errors in Language Processing.

Abstract We examine speech errors as a way of understanding fundamental aspects of cognitive processing. Our studies focus on one type of speech error: the failure to add an inflection to a word because the adjacent part of the base word is identical to the inflection. Errors of this type reflect a more general problem with the repetition of actions in cognitive processing. Such errors indicate that language processing is sensitive to the form of the output even as it is generating that output. We demonstrate that form-oriented errors occur in production tasks for past tense -ed, present tense -s, indefinite a/an, and three irregular past tense patterns. The data support the following strong principle in language production: if a form resembles the output of an inflectional pattern, there will be a tendency to use it without actually applying that pattern. We also show that when the base word resembles an irregular pattern, the members of the irregular pattern function as a “gang” to impose their shape on the base word, but this does not appear to be the case when the base word resembles a regular pattern. Implications of these effects for models of language and cognitive processing are discussed.
Direct analysis of thin-layer chromatograms and electrophoretograms by secondary ion mass spectrometry

Abstract Mixtures separated by thin-layer chromatography and electrophoresis can be analyzed in situ by secondary ion mass spectrometry. The paramount advantage of such a combination is the selectivity inherent to the mass spectrum, which can provide information sufficient for the identification of an unknown compound as well as precise quantification of known compounds. Separation of the time frames of chromatographic development and mass spectrometer operation relaxes the constraints on each, and unique analytical advantages result.
Modal subcomponents of metabolic syndrome in patients with bipolar disorder.

Abstract Background The metabolic syndrome is a growing global public health problem. Objective To evaluate the prevalence rate and modal subcomponents of the metabolic syndrome in subjects treated at the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Medical Center Bipolar Clinic. Methods In this cross-sectional design study, using the National Cholesterol Education Program definition, metabolic syndrome prevalence rates were calculated. Results 48/98 (49%) of subjects met criteria for metabolic syndrome. There was no difference in prevalence rate by gender or race. Almost 70% of the cohort met criteria for metabolic syndrome by the components of reduced HDL and increased waist circumference. Treatment with carbamazepine at study entry was associated with a lower prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome. Limitations and conclusions This study is limited by its small size and non-structured assessment of Axis I diagnosis. Nonetheless, bipolar patients in this select cohort have high rates of metabolic syndrome; given this cardiovascular risk, close clinical monitoring for these parameters is recommended. While not controlling for genetics, environmental influences, and/or medical factors such as additional comorbidity and treatment duration, psychotropic drug use may confer differential risk for developing the metabolic syndrome.
Positive Corona Processes in Electronegative Gaseous Dielectrics

Events occurring in a positive point/plane gap Subjected to quasi-step function voltages have been monitored by both terminal and optical measurements. Evidence is presented on the importance of the critical al initiation volume in the vicinity of the anode in determining both the time lag and the luminous extent of the corona. Changes in the corona characteristics are explained on the basis of spatial modifications of the ionization zone resulting from space charge distortion. An approximate theoretical basis for the results is explored in terms of the detachment of negative ions and illustrated with reference to seeding of the discharge with a low ionization potential additive.
Overview of the recent sediment hydrocarbon geochemistry of Atlantic and Gulf Coast outer continental shelf environments

Abstract An overview of the hydrocarbon geochemistry of recent marine sediments from the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) regions is presented. Hydrocarbon levels along the Atlantic OCS are fairly uniform, ranging between In the North Atlantic, Eastern Gulf, South Texas Gulf and coastal Louisiana sediments a linear relationship exists between total hydrocarbon and total organic carbon concentrations, indicating that each area consists of a geochemical ‘province’ defined by a source input or depositional regime specific to the region. The use of trace parameter/bulk parameter ratios (such as total hydrocarbon or individual PAH concentrations/total organic carbon content) in defining such provinces, and thus in serving as a basis for evaluating variations in source inputs as part of future surveys, is demonstrated. This approach views the hydrocarbon content and composition of Atlantic and Gulf coast OCS sediments as points on a spectrum defined by input types (sources) and deposition patterns (sedimentation and erosion), which conceptually link all the regions into a unified system.
Immunity in Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancers are a diverse group of malignancies that includes an increasing number of virally mediated cancers in addition to tumors caused by tobacco and alcohol use. In both cases, tumor development is intimately related to the host immune system, and the status of an endogenous antitumor response is likely prognostic. Virally mediated cancers provide unique targets for preventive vaccines that generate immune responses directed against virus-associated antigens. Once head and neck tumors develop, they are commonly treated with surgery, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy. These treatments are associated with significant toxicities, and despite this, subgroups of patients respond poorly and are likely to relapse and die of their disease. Tumor immunotherapy may allow for improvements in both treatment-associated toxicity and outcome. In addition to providing specific targets for therapeutic vaccines and adoptive therapy, virally associated cancers may also be particularly dependent on immune checkpoints; therefore, immune checkpoint inhibitors are being actively tested for these diseases. Cancers that are not virally mediated may also respond to immunotherapies, and biomarkers that could predict response to immunotherapy irrespective of viral status are being evaluated. Multiple ongoing studies are testing benefits of immunotherapy in the management of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Early promising results pave the way for future studies that will expand testing to nonmetastatic diseases and other types of head and neck cancers. Prospects of combining various immunotherapies and more established treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy are very intriguing and may provide synergistic benefits.
Repeated Exposure to Video Game Play Results in Decreased Blood Pressure Responding

Repeated exposure to violent media is related to negative outcomes, including aggression, hostility, and cognitive and social deficits. We examined if cardiovascular and emotional responding to video game play changed across 3 weekly sessions. Participants were 41 adolescents (M age = 14.8; male = 29; female = 12) from rural Appalachia. Participants attended 3 weekly sessions and played 1 of 3 video games (basketball, fighting, or horror) each time. Measures included heart rate (HR); systolic blood pressure (SBP); diastolic blood pressure (DBP); self-reported aggression, anger, and reactions to game play; and history of video game play. Resting and posttest cardiovascular measures did not differ from session to session. Adolescents displayed HR and SBP reactivity to game play within each session. They also demonstrated decreased SBP and DBP responding to video game play across the 3-week period, regardless of game content. Affective responses did not change significantly across the course of the experimen...
Amniotic fluid and umbilical artery levels of sex hormones and prostaglandins in human cocaine users

Abstract Biochemical evaluation of amniotic fluid contents is often used to monitor fetal secretory and excretory functions. To determine whether cocaine use during pregnancy affects fetal endocrine secretions, amniotic fluid and umbilical artery samples were collected at term, and selected gonadal hormones and prostaglandins were assayed. Gestational age, birth weights, and placental weights were recorded. The data showed that birth weights were significantly decreased (P
Effects of macroscopic inhomogeneities on electron mobility in semi-insulating GaAs

We show that defect inhomogeneities of sizes larger than the electron mean free path are responsible for the low values and anomalous temperature dependence of the electron mobility in semi‐insulating (SI) GaAs. The room‐temperature electron mobility values below about 6000 cm2/V s cannot be uniquely used for the determination of the concentration of ionized defects, since the contribution from inhomogeneities usually exceeds that from scattering by ionized impurities. The effects of the macroscopically inhomogeneous distribution of residual acceptors and the major deep donor EL2 diminish at elevated temperatures between 600 and 900 K, which offers a means for identification of inhomogeneities, and furthermore explains recently reported steplike mobility versus temperature behavior in SI‐GaAs.
Synthesis and structure of [NEt4]Fe(CO)3(μ-SPh)2Mo(CO)3(SPh) : a heterodinuclear compound with bridging and terminal thiolate ligands

Abstract A new heterodinuclear compound, [NEt4]Fe(CO)3(μ-SPh)2Mo(CO)3(SPh), has been prepared from the reaction of Fe(CO)4Br2 with [NEt4]SPh and molybdenum carbonyl starting materials. The compound has been characterized spectroscopically and by X-ray diffraction.
Comparative Radial Heat Flow Method for Thermal Conductivity Measurement of Liquids

A steady state thermal conductivity measuring setup based on the comparative radial heat flow method is presented. The setup consists of a pair of coaxial cylinders as its main components, with test fluid placed in the annular space between these cylinders with water tight cover plates at the top and bottom of the cylinders. Experiment involves heating the coil at the concentric-center of the inner cylinder; steady state data are acquired for the calculation of the thermal conductivity. Thermal conductivity is calculated by comparing the radial heat ffow between the cylinders and the test fluid (comparative method). Thermal conductivity of water, glycerol, and ethylene glycol was measured for varying temperatures and is in good agreement with the published thermal conductivity values in literature.
ENHANCEMENT OF CONVECTIVE HEAT TRANSFER FROM SMALL HEAT SOURCES TO LIQUID COOLANTS USING STRIP FINS

Experiments have been performed to assess the effect of four different longitudinal and offset strip fin arrangements on heat transfer from a small (12.7 mm × 12.7 mm), liquid-cooled heat source mounted flush with one wall of a rectangular duct. In terms strictly of thermal performance, the largest heat transfer enhancement is clearly associated with an offset arrangement and amounts to factors of more than 9 and 20 in water and a dielectric fluorocarbon (3M FC-77), respectively. However, on the basis of a fixed pressure drop, the preferred offset strip fin is only marginally superior to the other fins and there is, in fact, little difference between the four arrangements. On the basis of equal pumping power, one of the offset strip fins is clearly superior, but either of the offset fins would be preferred to the longitudinal fins in order to minimize the flow rate and overall pressure drop/pumping power. Standard Nusselt number correlations do not well predict the present data.
Characterization of the Sol3 family of nonautonomous transposable elements in tomato and potato

Sol3 transposons are mobile elements defined by long terminal inverted repeats which are found in tomato and potato. Members of the Sol3 family have been isolated from a variety of solanaceous species including Solanum tuberosum (potato), S. demissum, S. chacoense, Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato), and L. hirsutum. While highly conserved elements are found within different species, Sol3 terminal inverted repeats can also flank unrelated sequences. Southern blot analysis indicates that Sol3 elements are less prevalent in the potato (approximately 50 copies) than in the tomato (>100 copies) genome. No Sol3-hybridizing sequences were observed in tobacco. While a number of Sol3 elements ranging in size from 500 bp to 2 kbp were se-quenced, no transposase coding domains could be identified within the internal regions of the elements. The data suggest that the Sol3represent a heterogeneous family of nonautonomous transposable elements associated with an as-yet-unidentified autonomous transposon.
Demonstration of Rapid Shutdown Using Large Shattered Deuterium Pellet Injection in DIII-D

A severe consequence of a disruption on large tokamaks such as ITER could be the generation of multi-megaelectronvolt electron beams that could damage the vacuum vessel and the structures of the machine if they hit the wall unmitigated. The mitigation of runaway electron beams is thus a key requirement for reliable operation of ITER. In order to achieve reliable disruption mitigation, a new fast shutdown technique has been developed: the injection of a large shattered cryogenic pellet in the plasma, which is expected to increase the electron density up to levels where the beam generation processes are mitigated by collisional losses. This technique has been implemented and tested for the first time ever on DIII-D. The first tests show evidence of an almost instantaneous deposition of more than 260 Pa m3 of deuterium deep in the core. Record local densities during the thermal quench were observed for each injection with a very high reliability. Pellet mass and plasma energy content scans show an improvement of the assimilation of the particles for higher plasma energy and larger pellet mass.
Nucleotide sequence and conserved features of the 5.8 S rRNA coding region of Neurospora crassa

The nucleotide sequence of Neurospora crassa 5.8 S rDNA and adjacent regions has been determined. The deduced 5.8 S rRNA sequence of Neurospora differs from the 5.8 S rRNA sequence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 13 of 158 residues. Nine of these differences are clustered in a segment capable of forming a short hairpin secondary structure thought to be involved in the 28 S - 5.8 S rRNA complex. These differences occur in pairs such that the potential secondary structure is preserved.
Evaluating Birth Frequencies and Embryonic Lethality in Transgenesis Following Pronuclear Injection of HIV DNA.

The likelihood that expression of a foreign gene in a mammalian cell is deleterious to viability is confronted whenever novel transgenic animals are made. A pathological response to transgene expression is even desired in transgenic mouse models of human disease. The derivation of HIV-transgenic mice in our laboratory using multiple recombinant forms of an HIV provirus has resulted in mixed success best explained by the variable toxicity of the different transgenes. Employing a standardized approach to pronuclear injections, experimental variation amongst recombinant HIV transgenes was documented in terms of the percentage of pregnancies following embryo transfer into pseudopregnant mice and the percentage of transplanted embryos leading to term births in these pregnant females (giving rise to an index of birth success, SI). Results compiled over 5 years suggested that the SI reflected transgene toxicity, in this case of HIV gene products early in embryogenesis. These observations have guided the design of productive transgenes for mouse models of HIV-related diseases and may be generally applicable in transgenesis.
Dietary plant use by middle Holocene foragers in the Bonneville Basin, western North America

Middle Holocene foragers in the Bonneville basin, western North America, developed a subsistence strategy that differed in emphasis and orientation compared with their early Holocene predecessors. This paper examines one aspect of this changing middle Holocene subsistence orientation, the increasing dietary use of plants such as small hard-coated seeds (including iodinebush, pepperweed, goosefoot, and others), bulrush rhizomes, cactus pads and fruits, and to a lesser degree a few upland plant foods (pine nuts and various fruits). Middle Holocene archaeobotanical assemblages are reviewed for four sites: Danger Cave, Bonneville Estates Rockshelter, Camels Back Cave, and Hogup Cave. The middle Holocene shift toward extensive use of small seeds and plant foods from varied upland and desert environments reflects intensified use and processing of low-ranked plant resources, focusing on resource reliability, in the context of widespread regional aridification.
The role of herpes simplex thymidine kinase expression in neurovirulence and latency in newborn vs. adult mice

Abstract Infection by standard thymidine kinase-positive (TK + ) and TK − mutant herpes simplex virus (HSV) was performed in order to evaluate the role of HSV TK expression in neurovirulence and in HSV latency. In newborn mice, mortality and trigeminal ganglion (TG) HSV titer correlated (both were high) for TK + and TK − HSV. In adult mice after TK − HSV infection they also correlated (both were low). After TK + infection of adult mice, correlation was not present; mortality was low while HSV titer was moderately high. During the period of HSV latent infection (> 28 days after HSV infection), the number of neurons expressing HSV latency-associated transcript (LAT) was much greater for TK − HSV newborn-inoculated mice (average of 943/ganglion) than adult-inoculated mice (average of 138/ganglion). In addition, total amount of TG LAT was greater in the former than the latter. Reactivation from latency was restricted, however, for both groups. This result supported the important role of HSV TK expression in HSV reactivation, even when the number of LAT-positive neurons was greatly increased. The following conclusions were drawn from the study of TK − HSV in newborn mice: (i) HSV TK expression was of limited importance for neurovirulence and in vivo HSV TG infection (but was of importance in adult mice); (ii) increased in vivo HSV TG infection correlated with increased number of LAT-positive neurons, so that HSV replication and establishment of latency were not completely separable; and (iii) even with greatly increased numbers of latently infected neurons, HSV TK expression was important for reactivation from latency. Results in newborn mice suggested that the role of HSV TK expression in reactivation from latency and in neurovirulence were separable. To further investigate HSV replication in newborn and adult mice, ganglia were infected with HSV in vitro and either maintained in vitro or transplanted beneath the renal capsule of adult recipients. In both of these studies, HSV titers in ganglia were much higher in newborn than adult ganglia. This suggested that in addition to the well-know role of the immune system in HSV neurovirulence in newborn mice, it is likely that HSV replication per se in neural tissue is greater in newborn than adult mice. This may be related to the high level of HSV neurovirulence in newborn mice.
Opioid harm reduction strategies: focus on expanded access to intranasal naloxone.

In 2008, both prescription and illicit opioids, alone or in combination with other intoxicants, led to over 20,000 overdose deaths in the United States. This statistic is generated through reports originating from emergency departments and does not include information from coroner reports. Thus, this number is likely to be conservative. In addition, over the past decade, incremental increases in the number of overdose deaths have been demonstrated each year. In 2006, opioid overdose surpassed firearms as the second leading cause of accidental injury death in the United States, and rates of mortality from poisoning were higher than from motor vehicle accidents among adults aged 34–56 years. The average U.S. mortality rate related to opioid overdose in 2006 was approximately 7.8/100,000 persons. In rural Appalachia, during the past 5 years, over 75% of fatalities were related to the use of prescription methadone, hydrocodone, and oxycodone. Many states and large metropolitan areas consider opioid-related mortality to be a public health crisis. 4, 9
Effective population numbers and mean times to extinction in dioecious populations with overlapping generations.

Abstract We consider a finite dioecious random mating population that is observed at times 0,1,… Let there be age groups 0,1,…, K 1 among males and age groups 0,1,…, K 2 among females, so that the population consists of K 1 + K 2 +2 parts, called age-sex classes. It is assumed that the numbers of individuals in the various age-sex classes do not change with time and that there is no mutation, selection, or migration. One locus, with an allele A 1 that is initially rare, is studied. A general result obtained by Pollak (1979) is then used to obtain expressions for the effective population number, whether the locus under consideration is autosomal or sex-linked. Another result in the same paper is used to derive expressions for the mean time to extinction of a line of individuals with A 1 , which are descended from a single ancestor in age-sex class ( ai ), where i =1,2 and a =1,…, K i .
Design and manufacture of high-speed spindles for dry micromachining applications

The efficiency of microcutting tools that are used in high-speed air turbine spindles depends on the rotational speed of the rotor. A high-pressure variation on the surface of the rotor causes the rotor to retard and this severely limits the reliability and durability of High-Speed Spindles (HSSs) to support new developments in the developing area of micromachining. A variety of spindle designs were proposed and numerical simulations were carried out for each design using CFX software. The results revealed that changes in the rotor, inlet and outlet geometries affect the pressure distribution on the rotor significantly. The optimum design was identified based on the lowest pressure variation on the rotor surface obtained from the CFX results. Spinning the rotor at very high speeds provides a new direction in the development of mechanical micromachining.
Preimplantation factor (PIF) upregulates first trimester toll like receptor-2, supporting the role of PIF as an embryo derived factor influencing maternal innate immunity

RECEPTOR-2, SUPPORTING THE ROLE OF PIF AS AN EMBRYO DERIVED FACTOR INFLUENCING MATERNAL INNATE IMMUNITY MICHAEL PAIDAS, GRACIELA KRIKUN, LYNN BUCHWALDER, FREDERICK SCHATZ, KARL GODLEWSKI, EYTAN R. BARNEA, Yale University School of Medicine, Department Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, CoDirector, Yale Blood Center for Women and Children, New Haven, Connecticut, Yale University, Obstetrics and Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, New Haven, Connecticut, UMDNJ/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, CAMcare Health Center, Cherry Hill, New Jersey OBJECTIVE: Preimplantation factor (PIF), is a novel, embryo-derived, small peptide which appears very early in pregnancy. The maternal host response in pregnancy must allow for tolerance of the implanting embryo, and preservation of maternal defense mechanisms against viral and bacterial pathogens. We posit that: a) PIF may act as an immune modulating agent, capable of augmenting maternal defense mechanisms via upregulation of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2, a transmembrane protein involved in pathogen recognition; b) PIF may will influence decidual cell (DC) production of interleukins (IL), metalloproteinases (MMP) involved in extracellular matrix degradation, and angiogenesis. STUDY DESIGN: DCs were obtained from women undergoing first trimester (TRI) elective terminations or third TRI repeat Cesarean sections. DCs were isolated, purified, and seeded on polystyrene tissue culture dishes. The effects of PIF on TLR-2 protein expression was carried out using first TRI DCs. Third TRI DCs were used to study the effects of PIF on well characterized markers of DC function, as measured by ELISA. Western blotting for TLR-2 and beta actin was conducted using established methods. Densitometric analyses were carried out with the Image J NIH analysis software. PIF (10nM) was used as an agonist to DC culture. Values were expressed as TLR2/beta actin ratio, correcting for total DNA content. RESULTS: PIF incubation was associated with a two-fold increase in TLR-2 expression. We were unable to detect any change in secreted levels of the following third TRI DC products: IL-6, IL-8, IL-11, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, MMP-3, vascular endothelial growth factor. CONCLUSION: In this preliminary study, PIF significantly upregulates first trimester TLR-2 expression, suggesting that PIF may augment the maternal innate immune response. Maintainence of host defense mechanisms must occur as the host prepares to accept the implanting embryo. Further studies are needed to confirm PIF’s effects on TLR-2, evaluate downstream effects, and determine whether PIF regulates first TRI DC function.
Constant-energy synchronous, time-resolved, room-temperature phosphorimetry

Abstract The combination of constant-energy synchronous luminescence spectrometry (CESL) with a pulsed source and gated detection is used to demonstrate the analytical power of time resolution CESL in room-temperature phosphorimetry. The instrumentation is discussed. Two binary mixtures are evaluated to demonstrate the spectral simplification of this technique.
Distinct molecular mechanisms lead to diminished myelin basic protein and 2′,3′‐cyclic nucleotide 3′‐phosphodiesterase in qkv dysmyelination

The genetic lesion of quakingviable (qkv) causes diminished expression of the QKI RNA-binding protein in myelin producing cells. Consequently, several structural myelin proteins are severely reduced. Among these affected proteins, the reduction of the myelin basic protein (MBP) results from post-transcriptional abnormalities of the MBP mRNA, presumably due to the lack of interactions with QKI. However, whether this is the common mechanism for reduced expression of other myelin proteins in qkv dysmyelination remains unclear. Here we report that distinct molecular mechanisms underlie the reduction of MBP and the 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase (CNP) in qkv dysmyelination. MBP transcripts bind QKI strongly and are markedly reduced in the qkv/qkv oligodendrocytes in which QKI is almost completely lost. In contrast, CNP transcripts bind QKI weakly and are only slightly affected by the lack of QKI. None the less, CNP proteins are severely reduced in the qkv/qkv brain. Since CNP transcripts are predominantly associated with translating polyribosomes, diminished CNP expression in qkv dysmyelination is unlikely to be due to translational failures, but more likely results from accelerated protein degradation.
Report on the Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow (HeRO) experience in dialysis patients with central venous occlusions

Objective The Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow (HeRO) graft (Hemosphere/CryoLife Inc, Eden Prairie, Minn) has provided an innovative means to obtain hemodialysis access for patients with severe central venous occlusive disease. The outcomes of this novel treatment modality in a difficult population have yet to be clearly established. Methods A retrospective review of HeRO graft placement from June 2010 to January 2012 was performed. Patient hemodialysis access history, clinical complexity, complications, and outcomes were analyzed. Categoric data were described with counts and proportions, and continuous data with means, ranges and, when appropriate, standard deviations. Patency rates were analyzed using life-table analysis, and patency rate comparisons were made with a two-group proportion comparison calculator. Results HeRO graft placement was attempted 21 times in 19 patients (52% women), with 18 of 21 (86%) placed successfully. All but one was placed in the upper extremity. Mean follow-up after successful placement has been 7 months (range, 0-23 months). The primary indication for all HeRO graft placements except one was central vein occlusion(s) and need for arteriovenous access. Patients averaged 2.0 previous (failed) accesses and multiple catheters. Four HeRO grafts (24%), all in women, required ligation and removal for severe steal symptoms in the immediate postoperative period ( P Conclusions HeRO graft placement, when used as a last-resort measure, has been able to provide upper extremity access in patients who otherwise would not have this option. There is a high complication rate, however, including a very high incidence of steal in women. HeRO grafts should continue to be used as a last resort.
GATT, Dispute Settlement and Cooperation: A Note

Kovenock and Thursby's 1992 paper in this journal argued that a country's sense of international obligation would supplement GATT's dispute settlement procedures in enforcing the Agreement. In this note I argue that international obligation plays a necessary, not just a supplementary, role in enforcing GATT or its successor, the WTO.
Circular earth orbits attainable with fixed two-impulse expendable tug

The performance of solid rocket motors in expendable stages as an alternative concept for Shuttle interim upper stage applications is assessed from the standpoint of mission flexibility. The system comprises two stages and a payload, released from a circular Shuttle orbit at 160 naut miles altitude. The stages are sized to deliver a given payload mass to synchronous equatorial orbit. Only nonreturn missions are considered. A parametric sweep was made with small increments of pitch and yaw to compute the possible transfer orbits with an apogee greater than 160 naut miles. At several points on each transfer orbit the possibility of attaining a circular orbit with the second burn impulse of 6000 fps was assessed. Constraints on the vertical component of the second impulse and on the total velocity after firing determine the pitch angle for second burn. Results indicate a fixed two-impulse system designed to place a payload into synchronous equatorial orbit from the Shuttle orbit can deliver the payload mass into any lower circular orbit at any inclination within about 30 deg of the Shuttle orbit. The only apparent disadvantage of the system is an inability to achieve circular orbits above geosynchronous altitudes with the design payload.
Early recognition of catheter‐induced left main coronary artery vasospasm: Implications for revascularization

Catheter-induced left main coronary artery (LMCA) vasospasm is a rare complication of coronary angiography that confounds the decision for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. We report two cases of catheter-induced LMCA vasospasm. The first case was a 68-year-old woman who presented 6 years after CABG for presumed severe LMCA atherosclerotic disease. Coronary angiography demonstrated totally occluded CABGs and normal native coronary arteries, including a normal LMCA. The second case was a 56-year-old man with severe LMCA stenosis, who was scheduled for unprotected LM percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Repeat angiography 2 days later showed no stenosis. These cases emphasize the need for meticulous technique and a high index of suspicion of LMCA vasospasm. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) at the time of angiography may help to identify minimal atherosclerotic disease suggesting vasospasm. Alternatively, noninvasive testing, such as computed tomography (CT) angiography, may diagnose LM spasm in these patients prior to CABG surgery.
Operative Incisions for Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

l-n a previous article in tiffs publication, 1 we discussed _our first approach to minimally invasive aortic valve surgery, the parasternal approach. Be~nning in July 1996, our first 35 patients underwent aortic surgery through a right parasternal approach. We took this approach because we reasoned that this nfight enable easier isolation of the aorta, as the aorta lies under the second intercoastal space. Through this incision, we did, in fact, gain adequate exposure for the conventional aortic valve replacement and homograft root replacement. As we gained more experience, however, we learned that in certain situations more flexibility in the incision is required. Also, as we decreased our dependence on femoral artery/femoral vein cannulation, we wanted to cannulate for cardiopuhnonary bypass in the chest using either the innominate vein or the right atrium. Therefore, after January 1997, we began to use the "upper nfini-sternotomy," our current incision, which was popularized initially by Gundry. 2 In a presentation at the American Association for Thoracic Surgery in 1998, we presented our experience with the lower right parasternal approach to the mitral valve. 6 This is the approach that we used in our first 150 cases. Although this approach provides adequate exposure of the mitral valve, it became evident that only one operator could see well even with the use of a head video camera; thus, it was difficult for assistants to help, and, moreover, in a residency teaching program it was hard to instruct residents how to do these procedures via this incision. In addition, there was too much reliance on the femoral artery/femoral vein cannulation technique. On January 1, 1999, we began using our current incision, a lower mini-sternotomy as suggested by Doty. 7 We have also used a lower mini-sternotomy incision for correcting congenital heart disease lesions in adults. Currently, the primary incision for so-called "minireally invasive coronary bypass surgery" is basically a complete sternotomy for the performance of "offpump" coronary artery bypass grafting, needing no description.
Induction of skin tumors in the rat by single exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

— The dose response for tumor induction in albino rat skin by single exposures of UV radiation has been characterized. The shaved dorsal skin of 202 animals was exposed to either of two sources: one emitting a broad spectrum of wavelengths from 275 to 375 nm, and the other emitting at 254 nm. Skin tumors began to appear within 10 weeks of exposure and continued to appear for 70 weeks. The highest tumor yield was 5.5 tumors per rat and occurred when the rats were exposed to 13.0 times 104 J/m2 of the 275–375 nm UV. The 275–375 nm UV was about eight times as effective as the 254 nm UV for the induction of tumors throughout the exposure range from 0.8 times 104 to 26.0 times 104J/m2. Tissue destruction and hair follicle damage was found at the highest exposure to 275–375 nm UV but at none of the exposures to 254 nm UV. Repeated weekly exposures to 275–375 nm UV proved less effective than an equivalent single exposure for inducing tumors, even though the multiple exposures caused more severe skin damage. The transmission of the UV through excised samples of rat epidermis indicated that the exposure to the basal cell layer was about 3% of the surface exposure at 254 nm and about 15% of the surface exposure between 275 and 320 nm. The dependence of tumor yield on UV exposure was linear for 254 nm UV but was more complex for the 275–375 nm UV. For the latter more tumors were produced per unit exposure at lower exposures than at higher exposures.
Product differentiation, competition, and international trade

In this paper the two workhorse theories of international trade under imper- fect competition - Krugman's taste for variety model and Brander's strategic intra- industry trade model - are integrated into a single analytical framework. A quadratic utility function allows for a nesting of these two theories by postulating a consumer taste for variety over differentiated products, where the extent of product differentiation is linked to the intensity of strategic interaction among firms. The model yields intuitive predictions on the effects of the degree of product differentiation on the volume of trade and on the composition of the gains from trade under imperfect competition. JEL classifi- cation: F12
Public-Access Interactive Computers at State Welcome Centers in the United States: 1991 and 1995 Studies

This article reports on the findings of a 1991 and 1995 survey of the use of interactive computer systems in state welcome centers. Results indicate that whereas state use is increasing, ratings of system performance are decreasing. Areas addressed include amount of use, system information, funding, capabilities, uses, and satisfaction with computer performance.