cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of Cl Atom Reactions with C2H5Cl and C2H4Cl Radical and the Disproportionation of 2C2H4Cl at 298 K and at Millitorr Pressures

The bimolecular reaction Cl + C2H5Cl → HCl + C2H4Cl (1) is studied in the very-low-pressure reactor (VLPR) system at room temperature. Detailed mass spectrometric analysis of simultaneous reactant consumption and product formation rates indicates that the overall mechanism also includes two disproportionation reactions: Cl + C2H4Cl → HCl + C2H3Cl (2) and 2C2H4Cl → C2H5Cl + C2H3Cl (3). Rate constants obtained for these reactions are: k1 = (8.07 ± 0.36) × 10-12, k2 = (1.18 ± 0.06) × 10-11, and k3 = (1.83 ± 0.15) × 10-12 cm3/(molecule-s). The decrease in the reactivity of C2H5Cl compared with C2H6 reactivity in reaction type (1) correlates well with the electronegativity of the Cl substituent. The decrease points to a dipole−dipole repulsion in the transition state. Preliminary measurement of the reaction of C2H4Cl radical with Cl2 yields a value of k5 = (1.7 ± 1.0) × 10-13 cm3/(molecule-s).
A Fourier analysis of the IPSA/PEA algorithms applied to multiphase flows with mass transfer

Abstract The error amplification matrices for two variations of a pressure-based Eulerian–Eulerian multiphase algorithm are developed using the method of Fourier decomposition. The algorithms examined here include Spalding's IPSA/PEA, and a revised form proposed by Siebert and Antal appropriate for flows with mass transfer. The error amplification matrices are developed for a single spatial dimension, but for an arbitrary number of phases or fluids. The ramifications arising from these amplification matrices are explored in this article. For two-phase applications the revised form produces a broader theoretical range of convergent behavior for different interphase momentum and mass transfer rates. For four-phase applications both methods appear to be conditionally stable, and produce similar convergence behaviors. Large differences in interphase mass and momentum transfer rates between phasic pairs appear to adversely affect the algorithm's stability range.
Antagonistic properties of centrally truncated analogs of [D-Trp(32)]NPY.

We have previously shown that [D-Trp 32 ]NPY can competitively antagonize NPY-induced feeding in rats (Balasubramaniam et al. J. Med. Chem. 1994, 37, 811-815). This peptide, however, did not bind to SK-N-MC cells with Y-1 receptors. Since centrally truncated NPY analogs have been shown to bind Y-1 receptors, we synthesized similar analogs of [D-Trp 32 ]NPY and investigated their Y-1 (SK-N-MC) and Y-2 (SK-N-BE2) receptor affinities and their properties in human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells. None of the analogs with D-Trp 32 mobilized intracellular calcium, [Ca 2+ ] i , in HEL cells. Although Des-AA 6-24 [Aoc 6 ]NPY and the corresponding D-Trp 32 analog exhibited no affinity to Y-1 receptors, Des- AA 7-24 [Aoc 6 ,D-Trp 32 ]NPY (6) exhibited weak binding. Replacing Pro 5 in 6 with D-Ala to stabilize the central chain reversal, and hence the antiparallel alignment of the N- and C-terminal regions known to be important for Y-1 binding, resulted in an analog, Des-AA 7-24 [D-Ala 5 ,Aoc 6 ,D-Trp 32 ]NPY (7), which exhibited moderate antagonist potency in attenuating NPY effects on cAMP and [Ca 2+ ] i in SK-N-MC and HEL cells, respectively. This analog also shifted the dose-response curve of NPY on blood pressure in anesthetized rats. Deletion of only the 7-17 and/or the incorporation of N-Me-Ala 5 , a superior β-turn stabilizer, in 7 did not improve the Y-1 receptor affinity. Des-AA 7-24 [D-Ala 5 ,Gly 6 ,D-Trp 32 ]NPY exhibited an affinity similar to that of 7, suggesting that a long spacer arm is not necessary for efficient Y-1 receptor interaction. Locking the antiparallel alignment via a 2/26 or 2/27 lactam bridge did not improve the binding. Finally, replacement of D-Ala 5 in 7 with D-Trp dramatically increased both the binding and the antagonistic potencies. Modeling based on the avian pancreatic polypeptide X-ray structure suggested that analogs which have the N-and C-terminal regions in close proximity might exhibit good binding, and that the D-Trp 32 substitution may induce a β-turn that could be important for exhibiting antagonism. A systematic investigation has resulted in the development of relatively potent Y-1 receptor antagonists. Further structure-activity studies with these compounds and those previously reported by us and other investigators should result in the development of long-acting and receptor selective antagonists.
What Does It Mean to Be Accountable?: Dimensions and Implications of Higher Education's Public Accountability

This ASHE presidential address considers the meaning of higher education's public accountability in the U.S. context. American higher education has always been publicly accountable in some sense, but the forms and expectations associated with accountability have changed significantly from colonial times to the present. The address traces the reasons, building on the basic idea that accountability expectations are a social and political construction, and, consequently, bound to change with the times. Currently, much is expected from higher education while resources are in short supply. An argument is made here that contemporary higher education might well receive more resources from citizens and governments if its priorities were better aligned with those of these supporters and if its performance were more transparently reported. The need for a broader venue than presently exists for interaction about such matters is also discussed.
Hydrogen bonding part 68. Infrared and titrametric study of the effect of fluoride ion on the dissolution of quinolinic acid (2,3-pyridinedicarboxylic acid)

Abstract Quinolinic acid is a zwitterion in the solid state, with one acid hydrogen on nitrogen and the other in a three-center covalent OHO hydrogen bond between carboxylate groups. However, pKa values, the shape of the titration curve, and the formation of hydrogen quinolate ion with an OHO hydrogen bond on half-neutralization suggests that in aqueous solution quinolinic acid is a normal dicarboxylic acid analogous to phthalic acid. Addition of fluoride ion to saturated aqueous solutions of quinolinic acid increases the solubility, and 1.5F− are required for each diacid molecule solubilized. The products of the dissolution process are sodium hydrogen quinolate—identical to that derived from half-neutralization by sodium hydroxide—and sodium dihydrogen trifluoride. The formation of H2F−3, rather than HF−2 which is observed in the dissolution of phthalic acid, is accounted for by the increased acidity and much greater solubility of quinolinic acid relative to phthalic acid. The interaction of quinolinic acid with fluoride ion is completely different than that of the zwitterionic 1-methyl-3,4-dicarboxyimidazole which we have previously reported.
Estimation of Genetic Variation among Soil Isolates of Colpoda inflata (Stokes) (Protozoa: Ciliophora) Using the Polymerase Chain Reaction and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis

Summary: The genetic diversity among fifteen geographical isolates of Colpoda inflata was estimated using a simple, rapid method employing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in conjunction with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. We used the PCR to amplify an approximately 760 bp region within the large subunit ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene and conducted RFLP analysis using nine restriction enzymes that were known to cut the region of DNA amplified. The patterns generated from the restriction enzymes were compared among the clonal isolates cultured from soils collected from three different continents to estimate their level of genetic relatedness. A total of eight different composite haplotypes were found, two that were widely distributed and six haplotypes that were unique to a single location. Populations in which multiple clones were examined exhibited no genetic variation. Divergence among the different composite haplotypes was low (0.0038 to 0.033 base substitutions per nucleotide), and phenetic analysis of the haplotypes did not reveal any discernible biogeographic pattern. Results suggest that the cosmopolitanly distributed C. inflata has undergone limited genetic differentiation, and that the dispersal of this cyst-forming ciliate is probably a result of stochastic events.
Research in divisions of general internal medicine.

Excerpt To the editor: A recent article by Friedman and Pozen (1) has reported on a survey of the chairmen of departments of medicine about the status of their general internal medicine divisions. ...
Cathodic electrodeposition of mixed molybdenum–selenium oxides

Abstract Molybdenum–selenium oxides were electrochemically deposited onto indium–tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrates from aqueous solutions containing molybdate ( Mo VI O 4 2 - ), selenate ( Se IV O 3 2 - ), and dimeric and tetrameric peroxo-polymolybdate (i.e., [Mo2O3(O2)4(H2O)2]2−, [Mo4O9(O2)4]2−) anions. Electrodeposition mechanisms were elucidated using chronocoulometry, cyclic voltammetry, spectroelectrochemistry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical quartz crystal nanogravimetry (EQCN). At relatively positive deposition potentials from −0.1 V to −0.4 V (versus Ag/AgCl) a substoichiometric molybdenum oxide phase, Mo3O8, co-deposits with an insulating phase of Se0. At more negative potentials, mixed molybdenum–selenium oxides (MoxSe1−xOy, 0
Sexually Dimorphic Effects of Melatonin on Prolactin Cell Function in Male and Female Syrian Hamsters

The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the effects of chronic melatonin treatment in vivo on several aspects of prolactin (PRL) cell activity (PRL synthesis, storage, and release) in vitro in male and female Syrian hamsters. Adult male and female hamsters were maintained on long photoperiod and treated with daily late afternoon injections of melatonin (25 micrograms) or vehicle for 11 weeks. Melatonin treatment resulted in an 85% and 65% decrease in serum PRL levels in male and female hamsters, respectively. There was a similar 79% and 64% decrease in PRL release in vitro from pituitaries of male and female hamsters respectively, treated with melatonin in vivo. Total stored PRL was 75% lower in male hamsters and 62% lower in female hamsters receiving melatonin. The synthesis of PRL by pituitaries from melatonin-treated male hamsters was reduced by 65%, whereas in melatonin-treated females it was decreased by 58%. Both nanomolar and micromolar doses of melatonin in vitro caused a modest but significant decrease (14-19%) in the amount of PRL stored in and released from normal male pituitaries without affecting synthesis. The inhibitory effects of melatonin on PRL cell function appear to be more pronounced in male than in female hamsters suggesting a sexually dimorphic response to this pineal hormone. While melatonin's PRL-inhibitory effects appear to be exerted primarily via indirect neuroendocrine mechanisms, a secondary component of its overall regulation of PRL processing may involve direct pituitary mechanisms as well.
Detection of gas chromatography eluates by simultaneous absorbance and fluorescence measurements

Abstract Concurrent UV-absorbance and fluorescence detection is used to measure gas chromatographic eluates in the gas phase. UV light from a deuterium source is transmitted both to and from a heated flow-through cell via high-temperature quartz fiber optics bundles. Optical filters are used for selective detection of aromatic compounds. Detection limits and sensitivities for compounds vary markedly for absorbance and fluorescence, thereby enhancing selectivity and extending the range of application for the combined techniques. Limits of detection for polycyclic aromatic compounds range between 10 to 94 ng for absorbance measurements and 9 to 238 ng for fluorescence.
Factors associated with higher oxytocin requirements in labor

AbstractObjective: To identify clinical characteristics associated with high maximum oxytocin doses in women who achieve complete cervical dilation.Methods: A retrospective nested case-control study was performed within a cohort of all term women at a single center between 2004 and 2008 who reached the second stage of labor. Cases were defined as women who had a maximum oxytocin dose during labor >20 mu/min, while women in the control group had a maximum oxytocin dose during labor of ≤20 mu/min. Exclusion criteria included no oxytocin administration during labor, multiple gestations, major fetal anomalies, nonvertex presentation, and prior cesarean delivery. Multiple maternal, fetal, and labor factors were evaluated with univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression.Results: Maximum oxytocin doses >20 mu/min were administered to 108 women (3.6%), while 2864 women received doses ≤20 mu/min. Factors associated with higher maximum oxytocin dose after adjusting for relevant confounders included m...
Study of the correlation of trace elements in caprenters' toenails

Toenail samples were collected from 129 carpenters (average age 47). The bone and blood lead data for these carpenters have shown a broad range of lead-level exposure in this population. A total of 28 elements were measured in the sample set by a combination of instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) methods. Of the elements measured, only Co, Cr, Fe, Na, Cd, Cu, F, and Ni were significantly correlated with lead. A statistical treatment of the overall data set, including principal component analysis, was further applied in an attempt to correlate the elements in the samples.
The role of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in regulation of cerebral blood flow in normocapnia and hypercapnia in rats

The nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors, nitro-L-arginine, its methyl ester, and N-monomethyl-L-arginine, have been shown to attenuate resting CBF and hypercapnia-induced cerebrovasodilation. Those agents nonspecifically inhibit the endothelial and neuronal NOS (eNOS and nNOS). In the present study, we used a novel nNOS inhibitor, 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) to examine the role of nNOS in CBF during normocapnia and hypercapnia in fentanyl/N2O-anesthetized rats. CBF was monitored using laser-Doppler flowmetry. Administration of 7-NI (80 mg kg-1 i.p.) reduced cortical brain NOS activity by 57%, the resting CBF by 19-27%, and the CBF response to hypercapnia by 60%. The 60% reduction was similar in magnitude to the CBF reductions observed in previous studies in which nonspecific NOS inhibitors were used. In the present study, 7-NI did not increase the MABP. Furthermore, the CBF response to oxotremorine, a blood-brain barrier permeant muscarinic agonist that induces cerebrovasodilation via endothelium-derived NO, was unaffected by 7-NI. These results confirmed that 7-NI does not influence eNOS; they also indicated that the effects of 7-NI on the resting CBF and on the CBF response to hypercapnia in this study were solely related to its inhibitory action on nNOS. The results further suggest that the NO synthesized by the action of nNOS participates in regulation of basal CBF and is the major, if not the only, category of NO contributing to the hypercapnic CBF response.
Health-related Quality of Life in Urban African Americans with Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of socioeconomic barriers, familial barriers, and clinical variables with health-related quality of life (HRQL). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 186 African Americans with type 2 diabetes recruited from 2 primary care clinics in East Baltimore, Maryland. Physical functioning, social functioning, mental health, and general health were measured using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short form. Socioeconomic (money, housing, street crime) and familial (family problems, caretaker responsibilities) barriers were assessed by standardized interview. Insulin use, comorbid disease, and measured abnormalities in body mass index, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure, lipids, and renal function were investigated. RESULTS: Mean HRQL scores were: physical functioning, 61±29; social functioning, 76±26; mental health, 69±21; and general health, 48±21. Linear regression analyses revealed that each barrier to care was significantly associated with lower scores in 1 or more HRQL domain. As number of socioeconomic and familial barriers increased from 0 to 5, HRQL scores decreased by 18 for social functioning, 21 for general health, 23 for physical functioning, and 28 for mental health (all P for trend <.01). Clinical variables significantly associated with reduced HRQL were obesity, impaired renal function, insulin use, and comorbid disease. Blood pressure, lipids, and HbA1c were not significantly associated with HRQL. CONCLUSIONS: An independent, graded relationship was found between socioeconomic and familial barriers to care and HRQL. This relationship was at least as strong as the association between HRQL and the clinical variables more likely to be perceived by participants as causing symptomatic distress or impacting lifestyle.
Liquid jet evolution from a gas chromatographic injector

Abstract Liquid particles from the breakup of liquid jets produced by a gas chromatographic syringe autoinjection system were observed and measured experimentally. The particle size depended on the motion of the syringe plunger. Very large, fast-moving particles were observed during accelerating periods of the liquid jet. The injection test chamber temperature affected the downstream particle size by heating the liquid before it left the needle and by evaporation into the hot gas. The particles produced by the water and heptane samples used were large and did not lend themselves to rapid vaporization within the gas stream of the gas chromatographic inlet port. Under such conditions, total sample vaporization must be considered either on the hot inlet port wall or on inserts within the inlet port.
The parity of the 95 keV first-excited level of O19

A lens type beta-ray spectrometer was used to measure the K internal conversion coefficient of the first-excited to ground state transition in O. The levels of O were excited by the reaction O/sup 18/(d,p)O/sup 19/. The value of the K internal conversion coefficient was measured to be 6.27(1 plus or minus 0.18) x 10 /sup -4/. This value is indicative of an M1 transition which establishes the parity of the first-excited level of O/sup 19/ as positive. The energy of the first-excited level was determined from internal conversion electron and photoelectron spectra to be 95 plus or minus 2 kev. (auth)
A patient-specific in vivo tumor model

A significant body of research, spanning approximately the last 25 years, has focused upon the task of developing a better understanding of tumor growth through the use of in vitro mathematical models. Although such models are useful for simulation, in vivo growth differs in significant ways due to the variety of competing biological, biochemical, and mechanical factors present in a living biological system. An in vivo, macroscopic, primary brain tumor growth model is developed, incorporating previous in vitro growth pattern research as well as scientific investigations into the biological and biochemical factors that affect in vivo neoplastic growth. The tumor growth potential model presents an integrated, universal framework that can be employed to predict the direction and extent of spread of a primary brain tumor with respect to time for a specific patient. This framework may be extended as necessary to include the results of current and future research into parameters affecting neoplastic proliferation. The patient-specific primary brain tumor growth model is expected to have multiple clinical uses, including: predictive modeling, tumor boundary delineation, growth pattern research, improved radiation surgery planning, and expert diagnostic assistance.
Urinary complaints after modified Burch urethrope: An analysis

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Postoperative bladder complaints after incontinence procedures are well known to the pelvic surgeon, but there are few reports comparing subjective complaints with objective data. Thirty of 68 patients who underwent a modified Burch urethral suspension were interviewed and examined by the first author. Four-channel urodynamics were then performed. STUDY DESIGN: Of the 30 patients, eight (27%) complained of postoperative urinary leaking, and three of eight (10%) said they leaked worse than before surgery. Four patients (13%) had objective evidence of detrusor instability on cystometrogram. Two patients (6%) had recurrent genuine stress incontinence. No patients had bladder spams or symptoms of retention. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on the following preoperative patient factors in relation to surgical success: age, height, hormonal status, and concurrent pelvic relaxation. Only preoperative hormone use had statistical significance in relation to surgical success. RESULTS: The eight patients with leaking were treated on the basis of subjective complaints plus objective findings. The patients with detrusor instability had improvement with medication and bladder drills, but two of the four still had mild leakage. Of the other four patients, one required a urethral sling and is now dry. The other three patients had significant improvement or cure of symptoms after modifications were made in their voiding techniques. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that preoperative and postoperative estrogen use is significantly correlated with surgical success of the Burch procedure, whereas age, weight, and postoperative pelvic relaxation have little influence. We also found that surgical success could be improved by close evaluation and individual management of patients with voiding complaints.
Dopamine transporter is required for in vivo MPTP neurotoxicity: Evidence from mice lacking the transporter

The neurotoxic effect of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) was tested on mice lacking the dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT-/- mice). Striatal tissue DA content and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) mRNA expression were assessed as markers of MPTP neurotoxicity. MPTP (30 mg/kg, s.c., b.i.d.) produced an 87% decrease in tissue DA levels and a 29-fold increase in the level of GFAP mRNA in the striatum of wild-type animals 48 h after administration. Conversely, there were no significant changes in either parameter in DAT-/- mice. Heterozygotes demonstrated partial sensitivity to MPTP administration as shown by an intermediate value (48%) of tissue DA loss. Direct intrastriatal infusion of the active metabolite of MPTP, 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+; 10 mM), via a microdialysis probe produced a massive efflux of DA in wild-type mice (>320-fold). In the DAT-/- mice the same treatment produced a much smaller increase in extracellular DA (sixfold), which is likely secondary to tissue damage due to the implantation of the dialysis probe. These observations show that the DAT is a mandatory component for expression of MPTP toxicity in vivo.
NATURE, ART AND SCIENCE IN SPANISH POETRY OF THE RENAISSANCE

Let us approach our subject by examining two sonnets dating from the end of the sixteenth or beginning of the seventeenth century. The first, by Francisco de Medrano.
Glucocorticoid-dependent hippocampal transcriptome in male rats: pathway-specific alterations with aging.

Although glucocorticoids (GCs) are known to exert numerous effects in the hippocampus, their chronic regulatory functions remain poorly understood. Moreover, evidence is inconsistent regarding the long-standing hypothesis that chronic GC exposure promotes brain aging/Alzheimer disease. Here, we adrenalectomized male F344 rats at 15 months of age, maintained them for 3 months with implanted corticosterone (CORT) pellets producing low or intermediate (glucocorticoid receptor–activating) blood levels of CORT, and performed microarray/pathway analyses in hippocampal CA1. We defined the chronic GC-dependent transcriptome as 393 genes that exhibited differential expression between intermediate and low CORT groups. Short-term CORT (4 days) did not recapitulate this transcriptome. Functional processes/pathways overrepresented by chronic CORT–up-regulated genes included learning/plasticity, differentiation, glucose metabolism, and cholesterol biosynthesis, whereas processes overrepresented by CORT–down-regulated genes included inflammatory/immune/glial responses and extracellular structure. These profiles indicate that GCs chronically activate neuronal/metabolic processes while coordinately repressing a glial axis of reactivity/inflammation. We then compared the GC transcriptome with a previously defined hippocampal aging transcriptome, revealing a high proportion of common genes. Although CORT and aging moved expression of some common genes in the same direction, the majority were shifted in opposite directions by CORT and aging (eg, glial inflammatory genes down-regulated by CORT are up-regulated with aging). These results contradict the hypothesis that GCs simply promote brain aging and also suggest that the opposite direction shifts during aging reflect resistance to CORT regulation. Therefore, we propose a new model in which aging-related GC resistance develops in some target pathways, whereas GC overstimulation develops in others, together generating much of the brain aging phenotype.
Differential Giemsa staining of kinetochores and nucleolus organizer heterochromatin in mitotic chromosomes of higher plants

Differential Giemsa staining techniques have been used to stain kinetochores and nucleolus organizer heterochromatin in four species of higher plants. Using these techniques it has been possible to follow developmental changes of kinetochores through mitosis. In addition, these same techniques also have allowed the determination of the number and sites of nucleolus organizers in the various chromosome complements studied.
Analysis of electronic structure and charge density of the high-temperature superconductor YBa2Cu3O7

Self-consistent linearized augmented plane wave (LAPW) method calculations of the band structure, density of states, Fermi surface, Coulomb potential, charge density, core-level shifts, and electron-phonon interaction are presented for Y/sub 1/Ba/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7/. The calculated Sommerfield parameter ..gamma.. is 4.35 mJ(mole Cu)/sup /minus/1/ K/sup /minus/2/, roughly about a factor of 2 smaller than experimentally deduced values of the enhanced value ..gamma.. = (1 + lambda)..gamma../sub 0/, suggesting that the Fermi surface mass enhancement is of the order of unity. The crystal charge density is best represented by overlapping spherical ionic densities when the Cu and O ions are assigned charges of +1.62 and -1.69, respectively, corresponding to about 0.3 holes per oxygen atom. Core-level energies for the inequivalent atoms differ by as much as 0.45 eV for Cu and 0.7 eV for O, amounts which may be detectable by core-level spectroscopies. These results provide important information on the character and magnitude of ionic contributions to bonding in these materials. Within the rigid muffin-tin approximation, calculated McMillan-Hopfield parameters yield estimates for the electron-phonon strength lambda that appear to be too small to account for the observed T/sub c/. We point out an unusual band of oxygen-derived chain states below, butmore » within 0.1 eV of, the Fermi level.« less
Satellite Observations Monitor Outages From Superstorm Sandy

In late October 2012, Hurricane Sandy traveled across Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas, then progressed northward along the eastern seaboard of the United States, resulting in numerous tropical storm warnings along the coasts of Florida and North Carolina. As the storm approached the Mid-Atlantic region, interaction with an upper-level low drew the cyclone inland, with the center passing just north of Atlantic City, N. J. In what media reports dubbed a “superstorm,” Sandy produced hurricane-force winds, significant coastal storm surge, torrential rain, inland flooding, and extensive damage over a vast area. Further west of the cyclone center, strong winds increased wave activity throughout the Great Lakes, and heavy snowfall occurred across portions of Tennessee, Kentucky, and West Virginia. As of early November, more than 100 fatalities had been attributed to Sandy in the northeastern United States, with total economic losses of up to $50 billion [New York Times, 2012, and Walsh and Schwartz, 2012].
RNA-Dependent DNA Polymerases

Reverse transcriptases are derived from retroviruses which use them to make DNA copies of their RNA genomes. They are multifunctional enzymes, but they are mainly used as RNA-directed DNA polymerases. Specifically, deoxyoligonucleotides (either oligo(dT) polymers, a collection of random DNA sequences, or a specific sequence) are used as primers for extension on RNA (usually messenger RNA) templates. The DNA synthesized from the RNA template is referred to as complementary DNA (cDNA). This unit describes appropriate reaction conditions along with applications such as synthesizing cDNA for insertion into bacterial cloning vectors, filling in and labeling the 3'termini of DNA fragments with 5' protruding ends, and its use for DNA sequencing in place of Klenow fragment.
Testing for association in case-control genome-wide association studies with shared controls.

The statistical analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) with multiple diseases and shared controls (SCs) is discussed. The usual method for analyzing data from these studies is to compare each individual disease with either the SCs or the pooled controls which include other diseases. We observed that applying individual association tests can be problematic because these tests may suffer from power loss in detecting significant associations between diseases and single-nucleotide polymorphism or copy number variant. We propose here a two-stage procedure wherein we first apply an overall chi-square test for multiple diseases with SCs; if the overall test is rejected, then individual tests using the chi-square partition method will be applied to each disease against SCs. A real GWAS data set with SCs and a Monte Carlo simulation study are used to demonstrate that the proposed method is more effective and preferable than other existing methods for analyzing data from GWASs with multiple diseases an...
Interaction of the Catalytic and the Membrane Subunits of an Oxyanion-Translocating ATPase

Resistance to arsenical and antimonial compounds in Escherichia coli is due to active extrusion of these compounds from cells expressing the ars operon. The arsenical pump is an ion-translocating ATPase which consists of two polypeptide components, the ArsA and ArsB proteins. The ArsB protein, the inner membrane component of the pump, has been shown to function as the membrane anchor for the catalytic subunit, the ArsA protein. The properties and nature of interaction between these two components of the pump were investigated using an in vitro binding assay. Purified ArsA protein bound to the membrane in a saturable manner. In the absence of arsenite or antimonite an apparent positive cooperativity in the binding of the ArsA protein to membrane vesicles containing the ArsB protein was observed. In the presence of arsenite or antimonite binding became hyperbolic, with a 10-fold decrease in the concentration of ArsA protein required for half-maximal binding, without any change in the stoichiometry of the complex. Addition of ATP had little affect on membrane binding of the ArsA ATPase subunit. In the presence or absence of the anionic substrates binding was maximal in a pH range 7.5-8.5.
Effects of Various Drugs on Activity of the Neuronally Isolated Cerebral Cortex

The topical application of strychnine, d-tubocurarine, pentylenetetrazole, picrotoxin, and physostigmine evoked different patterns of electrical activity in a portion of the acutely isolated suprasylvian gyrus of dogs. Pentylenetetrazole and picrotoxin evoked a similar pattern of activity in the isolated gyrus by both topical application and intravenous administration. Reasonable systemic doses of strychnine, d-tubocurarine and physostigmine did not produce activity similar to that seen on topical application. Therefore, the effects obtained by topical application of drugs to the cerebral cortex must be interpreted cautiously as regarding the usual pharmacological actions of these agents. Adrenergic agents, administered systemically, exerted a diphasic effect upon chemically and electrically evoked activity. An initial depression and subsequent enhancement were observed. These actions were exceedingly variable and did not appear to be secondary to vascular effects. On the other hand the effects of acetylcholine and arecoline did seem to be secondary to their cardiovascular effects. Since entirely different patterns of spontaneous and evoked electrical activity could be recorded simultaneously from the isolated and nearby intact portions of the
Cushing’s Syndrome Secondary to Ectopic Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone-Adrenocorticotropin Secretion∗

A 47-yr-old woman with severe Cushing's syndrome had a bronchial carcinoid secreting ACTH and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and associated pituitary corticotroph hyperplasia. While the clinical picture was consistent with the ectopic ACTH syndrome, the biochemical pattern was that of pituitary ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism. Both plasma ACTH and CRH levels were high. However, while plasma ACTH increased during metyrapone administration and decreased during administration of high dose of dexamethasone, plasma CRH levels did not change, suggesting a direct pituitary response to these testing maneuvers. Immunoperoxidase staining of the tumor tissue confirmed the presence of ACTH and CRH, and the finding of an ACTH and a CRH concentration gradient across the tumor bed indicated that the tumor was actively secreting these two hormones. Cytochemical heterogeneity was seen in the tumor, in which two distinct populations of cells, one secreting ACTH and beta-endorphin and the other secreting CRH, were identified. This patient, thus, had an unusual syndrome of ectopic ACTH and ectopic CRH secretion.
EFFECT OF SUDDEN BLOOD CALCIUM DEPLETION ON PHOSPHORUS EXCRETION.

Ten normal dogs and 10 dogs with total thyroparathyroidectomies had their serum calcium suddenly lowered by 20–30% over an interval of 30 min or less. This was accomplished by direct perfusion of the animal's arterial blood through a 500 g sodium Dowex ion-exchange column. Hourly clearances of calcium, phosphorus and creatinine · were determined on each dog just prior to and for 6½ hr following each perfusion. Three to 5 hr following the perfusion, the 10 normal dogs demonstrated a striking increase in the phosphorus clearance/creatinine clearance ratio. The phosphaturia was completely aborted in the dogs with total thyroparathyroidectomy performed just prior to perfusion with the ion-exchange column. This procedure did not significantly alter the calcium clearance in either group of dogs. These observations suggest that following a sudden reduction in serum calcium there is an outpouring of calcium and phosphorus from bone to restore the serum calcium level. This response is independent of parathyroid ac...
Measurement of quantities related to the charge and momentum densities of atoms and molecules by use of keV electron scattering

Experiments utilizing keV incident electrons scattered from atomic and molecular targets are described. The scattered electron intensity as a function of both scattered angle and energy lost by the incident electron upon collision with the target is recorded. Data of this type collected over a grid of both angle and energy loss values define a surface which contains extensive information concerning the electronic structure of the target system. The various regions of interest on this surface and their relationship to charge and momentum density are described within the framework of the first Born approximation. The theory is compared to recently collected data on atomic helium and molecular hydrogen.
Using Social Network Analysis to Assess Mentorship and Collaboration in a Public Health Network.

Introduction Addressing chronic disease burden requires the creation of collaborative networks to promote systemic changes and engage stakeholders. Although many such networks exist, they are rarely assessed with tools that account for their complexity. This study examined the structure of mentorship and collaboration relationships among members of the Healthy Aging Research Network (HAN) using social network analysis (SNA). Methods We invited 97 HAN members and partners to complete an online social network survey that included closed-ended questions about HAN-specific mentorship and collaboration during the previous 12 months. Collaboration was measured by examining the activity of the network on 6 types of products: published articles, in-progress manuscripts, grant applications, tools, research projects, and presentations. We computed network-level measures such as density, number of components, and centralization to assess the cohesiveness of the network. Results Sixty-three respondents completed the survey (response rate, 65%). Responses, which included information about collaboration with nonrespondents, suggested that 74% of HAN members were connected through mentorship ties and that all 97 members were connected through at least one form of collaboration. Mentorship and collaboration ties were present both within and across boundaries of HAN member organizations. Conclusion SNA of public health collaborative networks provides understanding about the structure of relationships that are formed as a result of participation in network activities. This approach may offer members and funders a way to assess the impact of such networks that goes beyond simply measuring products and participation at the individual level.
Decision Processes, Agency Problems, and Information: An Economic Analysis of Budget Procedures

Many organizations attempt to manage agency problems not with incentive contracts but by keeping the principal involved in the decision process, that is, by limiting delegation. This paper develops a model to investigate the economics of several decision processes that are commonly used to set budgets in both the public and private sector. The key tradeoff is that partial delegation allows the principal to reject those projects he dislikes, but causes the agent to distort the information he transmits to the principal.
Removal of broken hardware.

Despite advances in metallurgy, fatigue failure of hardware is common when a fracture fails to heal. Revision procedures can be difficult, usually requiring removal of intact or broken hardware. Several different methods may need to be attempted to successfully remove intact or broken hardware. Broken intramedullary nail cross-locking screws may be advanced out by impacting with a Steinmann pin. Broken open-section (Kuntscher type) intramedullary nails may be removed using a hook. Closed-section cannulated intramedullary nails require additional techniques, such as the use of guidewires or commercially available extraction tools. Removal of broken solid nails requires use of a commercial ratchet grip extractor or a bone window to directly impact the broken segment. Screw extractors, trephines, and extraction bolts are useful for removing stripped or broken screws. Cold-welded screws and plates can complicate removal of locked implants and require the use of carbide drills or high-speed metal cutting tools. Hardware removal can be a time-consuming process, and no single technique is uniformly successful.
Optical Measurement of Thermal Conductivity Using Fiber Aligned Frequency Domain Thermoreflectance

Fiber aligned frequency domain thermoreflectance (FAFDTR) is a simple noncontact optical technique for accurately measuring the thermal conductivity of thin films and bulk samples for a wide range of materials, including electrically conducting samples. FAFDTR is a single-sided measurement that requires minimal sample preparation and no microfabrication. Like existing thermoreflectance techniques, a modulated pump laser heats the sample surface, and a probe laser monitors the resultant thermal wave via the temperature dependent reflectance of the surface. Via the use of inexpensive fiber coupled diode lasers and common mode rejection, FAFDTR addresses three challenges of existing optical methods: complexity in setup, uncertainty in pump-probe alignment, and noise in the probe laser. FAFDTR was validated for thermal conductivities spanning three orders of magnitude (0.1-100 W/m K), and thin film thermal conductances greater than 10 W/m(2) K. Uncertainties of 10-15% were typical, and were dominated by uncertainties in the laser spot size. A parametric study of sensitivity for thin film samples shows that high thermal conductivity contrast between film and substrate is essential for making accurate measurements. DOI: 10.1115/1.4003545
Innate sensing of viruses by toll-like receptors.

The ability to detect pathogens is arguably the single most important task undertaken by the immune system. Appropriate recognition of invasive microbes is critical for mounting an immune response that can effectively combat the invading organism. A comprehensive understanding of the requirements for pathogen recognition is necessary for the development of efficacious vaccines and effective therapeutics. Toward this end, a tremendous investment has been made in determining how the adaptive immune system (B and T cells) distinguishes invading pathogens from host cells and tissues. These efforts have yielded remarkable models that describe how the immune system responds to the myriad of challenges it faces and provide a framework into which future discoveries can be incorporated. Recently, however, some of this focus has been redirected to understanding how pathogens are initially recognized by the host innate immune system and how these events contribute to and coordinate with the adaptive immune response. Detection of pathogens by the innate immune system is carried out by a class of immune-sensor molecules termed pattern recognition receptors, or PRRs. Several different classes of PRRs have been identified, each detecting microbes or microbial components and initiating responses that program antipathogen gene expression profiles and promote adaptive immune responses (28). The Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a class of PRRs that detect an increasingly broad range of pathogens (74). While the majority of the work on TLRs has focused on detection of bacteria, it is becoming increasingly apparent that viruses are also subject to innate sensing by TLRs. An indicator of the importance of any host antiviral strategy is the ability of viruses to counteract that particular arm of the host defense. Two vaccinia virus genes, A46R and A52R, have been implicated as negative regulators of TLR signaling, indicating that TLR responses pose a realistic threat to viruses (11a, 29a). This review will focus on the state of our knowledge of TLRs' role in immune responses to viruses.
A genetic-algorithm-based selective principal component analysis (GA-SPCA) method for high-dimensional data feature extraction

A genetic-algorithm-based selective principal component analysis (GA-SPCA) method is proposed and tested using hyperspectral remote sensing data and ground reference data collected within an agricultural field. The proposed method uses a global optimizer, the genetic algorithms, to select a subset of the original image bands, which first reduces the data dimension. A principal component transformation is subsequently applied to the selected bands. By extracting features from the resulting eigenimage, the remote sensing data, originally high in dimension, will be further reduced to a feature space with one to several principal component bands. Subsequent image processing on the reduced feature space can thus be performed with improved accuracy. Experiments were conducted using three sets of ground reference data: corn chlorophyll content, corn plant population, and various corn hybrids. The results showed that with GA-SPCA, the number of original bands used for principal component analysis (PCA) could be reduced to 17, 26, and 25 from a 60-band hyperspectral image, respectively. In all cases, the correlation coefficients between image and ground reference data were greater when using GA-SPCA than that for PCA results with all original bands. This indicates that bands with no contribution to a specific application were removed prior to PCA. The variance related to a specific application within the image was transformed with more emphasis by using bands sensitive to that application. The selected bands can also provide useful information for future imaging sensor development.
Driver-vehicle interfacial dynamics: a robust cue for driver fatigue

We present a new technique that measures driver fatigue from the dynamics of driver-vehicle interfaces, such as the accelerator and the steering wheel. Real-life highway driving experiments were conducted on 24 participants and the variance or energy of the time series data on driver imparted force or motion on the interfaces was found to be strongly correlated to the driver’s self-perceived alertness. The non-visual sensing principle and computational algorithm demonstrate the simplicity, robustness and cost efficiency of the proposed technique, which is expected to impact the transportation industry, particularly the automotive sector.
Frontal Localization of Absence Seizures Demonstrated by Ictal Positron Emission Tomography

Generalized absence seizures are rarely reported to originate from one frontal lobe. We report an 8-year-old girl with atypical absence seizures demonstrated to be of right frontal origin by ictal positron emission tomography (PET). She had a congenital left hemiparesis and intractable seizures since age 3, and was referred for epilepsy surgery. During electroencephalography-video monitoring numerous episodes of atypical absence seizures were recorded in association with generalized 3- to 3.3-Hz spike-and-wave discharges by EEG. PET was performed with simultaneous EEG recording. Six typical seizures occurred during the fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake period. The PET scan demonstrated marked increased FDG uptake in right frontal region. Partial seizures of frontal lobe origin can manifest themselves as atypical absence seizures, with generalization based on secondary bilateral synchrony. In patients with frequent seizures the frontal seizure origin may be demonstrated noninvasively with functional imaging using PET or single-photon emission computed tomography.
Sleep Problems and Institutionalization of the Elderly

This study examined the role of sleep problems in the decisions of families to institutionalize elderly relatives. Previous work on institutionalization of the elderly has given little attention to the contribution of nocturnal, sleep-related problems. Seventy-three primary caregivers of elders recently admitted to a nursing home or psychiatric hospital were asked to identify the problems the elder was having during the night and day and rate the degree to which these influenced their decision to institutionalize the elder. Seventy percent of the caregivers in each sample cited nocturnal problems in their decision to institutionalize, often because their own sleep was disrupted. The most frequent disruptive nocturnal events were micturition, pain, and complaints of sleeplessness. Sleep problems of the elderly contribute heavily to the decision to institutionalize an elder and thus to the social and economic cost of institutional care. They appear to do this largely by interfering with the sleep of caregivers. The nature, prevalence, and treatability of the sleeping problems of both elders and their caregivers need further study.