cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Data-driven cardiovascular flow modelling: examples and opportunities

High-fidelity blood flow modelling is crucial for enhancing our understanding of cardiovascular disease. Despite significant advances in computational and experimental characterization of blood flow, the knowledge that we can acquire from such investigations remains limited by the presence of uncertainty in parameters, low resolution, and measurement noise. Additionally, extracting useful information from these datasets is challenging. Data-driven modelling techniques have the potential to overcome these challenges and transform cardiovascular flow modelling. Here, we review several data-driven modelling techniques, highlight the common ideas and principles that emerge across numerous such techniques, and provide illustrative examples of how they could be used in the context of cardiovascular fluid mechanics. In particular, we discuss principal component analysis (PCA), robust PCA, compressed sensing, the Kalman filter for data assimilation, low-rank data recovery, and several additional methods for reduced-order modelling of cardiovascular flows, including the dynamic mode decomposition and the sparse identification of nonlinear dynamics. All techniques are presented in the context of cardiovascular flows with simple examples. These data-driven modelling techniques have the potential to transform computational and experimental cardiovascular research, and we discuss challenges and opportunities in applying these techniques in the field, looking ultimately towards data-driven patient-specific blood flow modelling.
Starch Based Adhesives

Starch is a natural polymer, available in very large quantities and at relatively low and stable prices. It consists of glucose units chemically bound together so as to form a nonreducing polyhydroxy material. Because of the many hydroxyl groups, starch has a high affinity for polar substances such as water or cellulose. Starch can be reduced to low molecular weight sugars by enzymes called amylases, or by acid hydrolysis.
Anti-Asian discrimination and antiracist bystander behaviors amid the COVID-19 outbreak

Anti-Asian racism is a public health concern, and it has escalated during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Bystanders-individuals who directly witness or become aware of acts of racism-can help by discouraging perpetrations of discrimination (and other forms of violence), offering help and support to victims, and reinforcing antiracist prosocial norms. Yet, little is known about who engages in antiracist bystander interventions in response to discriminatory events, and who engages in proactive bystander behaviors to discourage future acts of racism. In the present study, 456 U.S. community adults of diverse ethnoracial backgrounds (18-85 years, Mage = 48.8, 52.0% women, 212 Asian Americans) reported on their experiences with discrimination, attitudes about the acceptability of discrimination, and engagement in proactive and reactive bystander behaviors. About 40% of the Asian American participants experienced discrimination during a 1-week period in early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among individuals who witnessed anti-Asian discrimination during the study period, 45% of them engaged in antiracist reactive bystander interventions. Controlling for ethnicity, gender, and attitudes about the acceptability of discrimination, individuals who reported more frequent experiences with everyday discrimination prior to the pandemic were more likely to engage in reactive bystander behaviors in response to anti-Asian discrimination. Lifetime experiences with discrimination may contribute to individuals' active engagement in antiracist bystander behaviors. Future research directions on antiracist bystander actions and allyship are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement Using data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic, we found that bystander behaviors responding to anti-Asian discrimination could manifest in reactive bystander interventions and proactive antiracism. People with greater lifetime experiences with discrimination were more likely to intervene when witnessing anti-Asian racism incidents. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)
When Borders Blur - Overcoming Political Limits with Computing in Truly Global Societies

As global conditions cause an increasing need for people to move across borders, current gate-keeping mechanisms (e.g. the visa process) make such movements extremely difficult. While it’s understandable that governments want to maintain security within their countries, it is possible for displaced people to contribute economically to development in the destination countries. Even though a completely borderless world of governments would be difficult to achieve, we argue that governments can combine policy with technology to remove barriers to potential growth from migrants, while maintaining security. In this paper, we sketch an interoperable digital government identity and automatic verification systems aimed at allowing governance structures while overcoming the limits of human processing in the visa application system in the face of ecological limits.
Building and Infrastructure Defect Detection and Visualization Using Drone and Deep Learning Technologies

AbstractThis paper presents an accurate and stable method for object and defect detection and visualization on building and infrastructural facilities. This method uses drones and cameras to collec...
Immunogenicity of glutaraldehyde-tanned bovine pericardium

Glutaraldehyde-tanned bovine pericardium (G-tBP) was tested for its ability to induce immunologic responses in vivo. Sections of G-tBP were implanted between the abdominal muscles in rats and guinea pigs. Control animals received Dacron implants. Lymphocytes and sera from animals were isolated at 2 and 4 weeks after implantation (four animals per group each time). Tritiated thymidine (3H-TdR) incorporation and an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to assay T- and B-lymphocyte responses to G-tBP antigens. At the same time points implants and surrounding tissue from these animals were processed for histology. Results show that lymphocytes from animals implanted with G-tBP responded significantly (P < 0.001) to G-tBP antigens in vitro but not to Dacron. In contrast, lymphocytes from Dacron-implanted animals failed to respond to G-tBP or Dacron preparations. ELISA results show that animals implanted with G-tBP produce antibody directed against G-tBP antigens. Histology revealed a dense mononuclear cell infiltrate at the interface between G-tBP and surrounding host tissues with focal degradation of implant collagen. Dacron elicits a nonspecific lymphocytic and foreign body-type reaction. These results indicate that G-tBP can induce immunologic responses in vivo consistent with a host vs graft reaction.
Interface- and discontinuity-aware numerical schemes for plasma 3-T radiation diffusion in two and three dimensions

A set of numerical schemes is developed for two- and three-dimensional time-dependent 3-T radiation diffusion equations in systems involving multi-materials. To resolve sub-cell structure, interface reconstruction is implemented within any cell that has more than one material. Therefore, the system of 3-T radiation diffusion equations is solved on two- and three-dimensional polyhedral meshes. The focus of the development is on the fully coupling between radiation and material, the treatment of nonlinearity in the equations, i.e., in the diffusion terms and source terms, treatment of the discontinuity across cell interfaces in material properties, the formulations for both transient and steady states, the property for large time steps, and second order accuracy in both space and time. The discontinuity of material properties between different materials is correctly treated based on the governing physics principle for general polyhedral meshes and full nonlinearity. The treatment is exact for arbitrarily strong discontinuity. The scheme is fully nonlinear for the full nonlinearity in the 3-T diffusion equations. Three temperatures are fully coupled and are updated simultaneously. The scheme is general in two and three dimensions on general polyhedral meshes. The features of the scheme are demonstrated through numerical examples for transient problems and steady states. The effects of some simplifications of numerical schemes are also shown through numerical examples, such as linearization, simple average of diffusion coefficient, and approximate treatment for the coupling between radiation and material.
High Income High Asset Divorce Annotated Bibliography

This bibliography covers articles published after 1995 and A.L.R.s that have supplements published after 1995. In the interest of brevity, A.L.R. collections (the titles of which are usually self-explanatory) and articles concerning individual cases or single state’s statutes are cited but not annotated.
Upper extremity strength and function in children with spinal muscular atrophy type II.

Abstract Upper extremity strength and function in a sample of ten children with spinal atrophy type II was determined using manual muscle testing, a sphygmomanometer, and a pinchometer. Functional abilities were recorded on self-report forms. Overall strength in this sample was determined to be 35% to 40% of normal. Repeated-measures analysis of covariance revealed no change with time in proximal or distal strength. Six children were capable of at least 12 pound of force in pinch or gross grasp vs four children with zero force in one of these measures. Ability to produce a measurable force in pinch or gross grasp was found to be associated with independence in mobility, hand function, and ADL by Fisher exact test ( p = .02). These data document the weak, but stable, muscle force present in these children and relate the strength of function.
Nonlinear Adaptive Joint Detection/Estimation for Multi-Radar Data Fusion

This paper addresses the problem of multisensor detection and high resolution signal parameter estimation using joint maximum a posteriori detection and high order nonlinear filtering techniques. The model-based fusion approach offers the potential for increased target resolution in range/azimuth space. The technique employs joint detection/estimation (JDE) filters for target detection and target parameter localization. The JDE approach segments the aggregate nonlinear model over the entire target resolution space into resolution subcells. This partitioning leads to extremely accurtate detection and parameter estimation. The proposed JDE approach has a built-in capability for automatic data alignment from multiple sensors, and can be used for centralized, noncentralized, and distributed data fusion.
Ionospheric D region electron density profiles derived from the measured interference pattern of VLF waveguide modes

[1] The altitude profile of electron density in the D region is determined using an array of GPS-phase-referenced VLF receivers, allowing for the simultaneous broadband (i.e., phase coherent) measurement of a 24.0 kHz signal at multiple sites ranging in propagation path length from 3060 to 3353 km. Measured data are compared with results of model calculations for four electron density profiles used in previous work, assuming a single density profile to be in effect along the entire signal path from transmitter to receiver. Interpolation between model profiles is used to find a new profile which best fits the data. Phase coherent measurements over a range of path lengths also allow for the identification of the parameters for individual waveguide modes. Measured mode parameters agree with model calculations, within the limitations imposed by the configuration of the present array. A methodology of analysis and the required set of measurements is described, which would allow the decomposition of a VLF signal into all of its constituent waveguide modes, and accurate measurement of the characteristic parameters of each mode, namely phase velocity, attenuation rate, amplitude, and phase.
Distorted surface oxygen structure on UO2(100)

Abstract Low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) has been combined with ion-scattering spectroscopy (ISS) measurements of He+ at 500 eV to characterize experimentally the surface structure formed by oxygen atoms on UO2(100). Insight into the surface geometry required to generate the LEED features was gained via laser transform simulation and kinematical diffraction analysis of two-dimensional arrays. Integrating the above approaches leads to a UO2(100) surface model consisting of a monolayer of oxygen atoms arranged in distorted bridge-bond, zig-zag chains along 〈100〉 directions. Configurational energies were calculated which support the distorted UO2(100) zig-zag structure.
The ecology of elevational positions in plants: drought resistance in five montane pine species in southeastern Arizona

We subjected seedlings of five pine species from the Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona to drought in the greenhouse to assess the relationships among elevational position, drought resistance, and biomass allocation. In comparison with upper elevation species, lower elevation species survived longer and experienced less depression of photosynthesis in response to the imposed drought. During the last week of the 29-d drought, internal water potential decreased little in lower elevation species but dropped precipitously in upper elevation species. Thus, relative drought resistance and elevational position of these pines seem associated with the ability of seedlings to survive drought by maintaining favorable plant water potential. Lower elevation and more drought-resistant species allocated less biomass to roots than did other species, a fact suggesting, contrary to assumptions of recent plant community models, that biomass allocation was unimportant in species differences in drought resistance.
Early Representations of the Giraffe

THE discussion in NATURE during the past year concerning the first mention in literature of the opossum and kangaroo has suggested a similar inquiry with regard to certain other well-known animals of the New and Old World.
Bipacking pairs by quintuples: the case n ≡13 mod 20

Abstract A ( ν , κ , λ ) packing design of order ν, block size κ, and index λ is a collection of κ-element subsets, called blocks, of a ν-set V such that every 2-subset of V occurs in at most λ blocks. The packing problem is to determine the maximum number of blocks in a packing design. Packing with λ =2 is called bipacking. In this paper we solve the bipacking problem in the case κ =5 and ν ≡13 ( mod 20).
Traumatic brain injury: the efficacy of a half-day training for school psychologists

The incidence rates of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are increasing, yet educators continue to be inadequately trained in assessing and serving students with TBIs. This study examined the efficacy of a half-day TBI training program for school psychologists designed to improve their knowledge and skills. Results of quantitative and qualitative survey analysis indicated there was little increase in knowledge and skills from pre-training to 1-year follow-up, although participants did increase in confidence related to their decision-making abilities in working with students with TBI. The data indicate a need for future study of more effective training models.
Critical Duration for the Pupillary Light Reflex

Light reflexes of the eye pupil are measured with an infrared scanning pupillometer in response to a 74-deg field. At threshold, the pupillary system responds to stimulus energy for short flashes and stimulus magnitude for long flashes. On a plot of log-flash magnitude vs log-flash duration, the intersection of the constant-energy asymptote and the constant-magnitude asymptote is defined as the critical duration. The critical duration was measured at threshold for the pupillary light reflex and visual perception, using seven subjects and three background levels. The critical durations were about 70 msec for most tests, but were shorter for very high backgrounds and longer with no background. Since other investigators have shown that the critical duration cannot be determined within the receptor, this suggests that the pupillary light reflex and visual perception share common temporal processing involving the nervous system beyond the receptor level.
Nucleation and coalescence phenomena in the transformation of semiconductor-doped glasses

Abstract The nucleation, coalescence and growth of semiconductor particles precipitated from supersaturated silicate and phosphate glasses have been investigated using a number of II–IV, III–V and elemental semiconductor particles. The nucleation phenomena and the resulting microstructure are of intense interest for optical device applications and have become one useful way of creating quantum dot structures. This overview highlights the processing, structure, and thermodynamic-kinetic aspects of these nanophase composite materials with a special focus on the optical absorption, luminescence of the glasses after the “striking” heat treatments.
On dimensional properties of graphs

A dimensional property of graphs is a propertyP such that every graphG is the intersection of graphs having propertyP. IfP is a dimensional property, we describe a general method for computing the least integerk so thatG is the intersection ofk graphs having propertyP. We give simple applications of the method to computing the boxicity, the cubicity, the circular dimension, the rigid circuit dimension, and the overlap dimension, and mention connections to other concepts such as the threshold dimension.
3-D Velocity Model Building: Defining Base of Salt By Inverting Gravity Data

Inaccuracies in the method arise from not knowing the exact position of the sides of the salt body, from not knowing the exact function of density with depth, as well as from the assumption that this function remains constant and does not vary laterally. For a number of salt bodies a practical problem also arises from the fact that the top of the salt is denser than the surrounding sediments, while the base may be less dense, with a null zone in-between. This reduces the observed gravity anomalies and consequently the accuracy of the method. The uncertainty in regional gravity values makes it difficult to determine what part of the gravity values should be attributed to the salt body. However, it is felt that this method may prove useful in determining the location of the base of the salt in many cases and in choosing between two possible seismic interpretations.
Control and Systems Approaches to Atomic Force Microscopy

Abstract The atomic force microscope (AFM) and its derivative technologies have heralded a new era in science and technology. AFM and related instruments were primarily designed by physicists. In recent years there is a substantial presence of engineers with controls and systems background who are contributing to AFM related technologies. This article provides a tutorial on the control and systems approaches to AFM. This paper also delineates the impact controls and systems perspectives have on AFM related research and indicates future directions.
Modification of Results From Computational-Fluid-Dynamics Simulations of Single-Cell Solid-Oxide Fuel Cells to Estimate Multicell Stack Performance

A typical single-cell fuel cell is capable of producing less than one volt of direct current. Therefore, to produce the voltages required in most industrial applications, many individual fuel cells must typically be stacked together and connected electrically in series. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can be helpful to predict fuel-cell performance before a cell is actually built and tested. However, to perform a CFD simulation using a 3-dimensional model of an entire fuel-cell stack would require a considerable amount of time and multiprocessor computing capability that may not be available to the designer. To eliminate the need to model an entire multi-cell assembly, a study was conducted to determine the incremental effect on fuel-cell performance of adding individual solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFC) to a multi-fuel-cell stack. As part of this process, a series of simulations was conducted to establish a CFD-nodal density that would produce reasonably accurate results but that could also be used to create and analyze the relatively large models of the multi-cell stacks. Full 3-dimensional CFD models were then created of a single-cell SOFC and of SOFC stacks containing two, three, four, five and six cells. Values of the voltage produced when operating with various current densities, together with temperature distributions, were generated for each of these CFD models. By comparing the results from each of the simulations, adjustment factors were developed to permit single-cell CFD results to be modified to estimate the performance of stacks containing multiple fuel cells. The use of these factors could enable fuel-cell designers to predict multi-cell stack performance using a CFD model of only a single cell.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Unexplained sinus bradycardia: clinical significance and long-term prognosis in apparently healthy persons older than 40 years.

The significance of sinus bradycardia (SB) in clinically healthy, non-endurance-trained, middle-aged and older persons is unknown. From 1,172 normal volunteers, aged 40 to 96 years, enrolled in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, 47 subjects, aged 58 ± 13 years, with SB (less than 50 beats/min) were identified by rest electrocardiography and were compared with a group of control subjects matched for age and sex. The prevalence of unexplained SB was approximately 4% and was nearly identical in men and women. At the latest follow-up examination, after a mean follow-up of 5.4 years, the SB group had a higher prevalence of associated conduction abnormalities (first-degree atrioventricular [AV] block, left-axis deviation, and complete or incomplete right bundle branch block) than the control group (43% vs 19%, p
A mechanobiochemical mechanism for monooriented chromosome oscillation in mitosis

During mitosis, the condensed chromosomes undergo a series of spectacular oscillations after they are captured in an end-on manner by kinetochore microtubules (KMT) emanating from the spindle poles. Such oscillations are commonly attributed to tug-of-war-like mechanisms, where the mechanical force imbalance alone drives the chromosome movement. However, a large portion of the force imbalance upon the chromosome is absorbed by the kinetochore and may not drive chromosome movement directly. Mounting evidence suggests that such resistance by the kinetochores regulates the chemical reactions of KMT plus-end growth and shrinkage, which have been shown as the determinant of the chromosome antipoleward (AP) and poleward movements. Here we incorporate this important regulatory feature, propose a mechanobiochemical feedback mechanism, and apply it to the monooriented chromosome oscillation, the early stage of the series of observed chromosome oscillations. In this model, the mechanical movement of the chromosome and the local biochemical reactions at the attached kinetochore region form a feedback loop that drives the oscillation. The force imbalance exerted on the chromosomes provides a bias (via mechanically sensitive proteins) on the local biochemical reactions controlling the KMT plus-end dynamics, and the movement of the chromosome in turn changes the forces exerted on it through the experimentally supported gradient in AP force. The proposed feedback mechanism can generate oscillatory behavior that depends on the topology of the feedback loop but is largely independent of the detailed molecular mechanism. We suggest potential molecular players, whose perturbation may allow direct experimental tests of the model.
Lessons from Africa: developing a global human rights framework for tuberculosis control and prevention

Tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease, and there has been a rise in recent years of drug-resistant cases no longer responding to standard treatment. In order to address this threat and contain possible transmission of drug-resistant cases, some countries have taken strong action, including the compulsory detention of non-adherent drug-resistant patients. These measures have been strongly criticized by human rights advocates, and they raise the question of how to legally protect both citizens and the community. Following discussions with National Tuberculosis Programs in Africa (the continent with the highest incidence rates of tuberculosis worldwide), we show that of all the countries surveyed, all but one (Swaziland) had either no specific policy addressing tuberculosis, or only general policies regarding public health applicable to tuberculosis. Six countries also reported having policies that address non-adherence to treatment with containment (isolation in health facilities or incarceration), but laws are not adequately enforced. If the international community wants to effectively respond to the threat of tuberculosis transmission, there is a need to go beyond national tuberculosis policies and to implement an international framework for tuberculosis control, inspired by the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, a key model for future public health treaties that address global burdens of disease. The framework, for which we clarify the conditions and procedures in this piece, would define the rights and responsibilities of the different stakeholders involved: patients, doctors, pharmaceutical firms and public authorities. To facilitate the governance of the national obligations under the Convention, a coordinating body should be set up, under the leadership of the World Health Organization and the Stop TB Partnership. Successfully implementing policies for tuberculosis that simultaneously address patients’ rights and communities’ wellbeing will have positive implications for those affected by the disease and serve as a basis for other global health conventions to truly ensure the global right to health.
In-situ diagnostics of combustion parameters using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Laser-Induced breakdown spectroscopy is a powerful diagnostic method that can be applied to combustion systems for measurements of fuel-air ratios, fuel composition, and temperature. In this study, we specifically show the application of LIBS for in-situ flame temperature measurements at conditions up to moderately sooting conditions (equivalence ratio of 15 for methane-air flames). Comparisons with existing data obtained from thermocouple exhibit excellent agreement in weakly sooting flames and good agreement at higher equivalence ratios. The deviation at higher equivalence ratios is attributed to signal trapping due to soot and precursor species and also due to increase in hydrogen spectral signal at these conditions. These are factors that can be circumvented and do not preclude application of LIBS to highly sooting flames.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Distribution of Rock, Metals, and Ices in Callisto

Radio Doppler data from a single encounter (C3) of the Galileo spacecraft with Callisto, the outermost Galilean moon of Jupiter, indicated that Callisto was probably undifferentiated. Now, similar data from a second encounter (C9) corroborate this conclusion, but more accurate data from a third encounter (C10) indicate that the rock and ice within Callisto have partially, but not completely, separated. Callisto may be differentiated into a rock-metal core less than 25 percent of Callisto's radius, an outer layer of clean ice less than 350 km thick, and a middle layer of mixed rock and ice. Models in which ice and rock are mixed all the way to the center of Callisto are also consistent with the data.
Charge carrier densities and mobilities in bismuth

Abstract The temperature dependence of the galvanomagnetic tensor in bismuth has been determined in the temperature range 50 – 90°K. An approximate analysis of the data using the two band model indicates that the electron mobility components μ 1 , μ 3 and μ 4 vary as T -2 while the hole mobility component ν 1 ∼ T -1.6 .
Admission variables as predictors of completion in an adolescent residential drug treatment program.

PROBLEM: Understanding of the pretreatment characteristics of drug-dependent adolescents to better match clients to treatment models that serve their needs for successful recovery. METHODS: A random sample of (N = 91) clients records were selected for this outcomes pilot. Chi-square analysis examined differences between groups and multivariate logistic regression analysis determined which variables best predicted completion status. FINDINGS: Several admission variables were associated with noncompletion and included: fire setting, sex for drugs, or addicted parents. Variables associated with completion included: first time admission to treatment or referral to treatment by peer. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that adolescents admitted to treatment with preexisting major depression might have unique treatment needs. Peer education treatment referral systems may be viable ways to encourage adolescents with drug-dependency problems to seek treatment.
Putting school crime into perspective: Self-reported school victimizations of high school seniors

Since the classic Safe School Study in 1977 by the National Institute of Education, there has been increasing concern with safety in schools in the United States. Media coverage since the 1960s has highlighted violence and terror. The President's Task Force on Victims of Crime in 1982 also decried
Changes in self-perception following short-term psychiatric treatment.

Abstract The present study investigated the effects of short-term psychiatric treatment on patients' attitudes toward themselves and toward their spouses. Subjects were 48 females, 16 schizophrenics and 32 neurotics who have hospitalized for an average period of 4–5 weeks. They were administered the RBT at the beginning and at termination of treatment. The results suggest improvement of self-imaging in neurotics, at the actual level. Reduction in the discrepancy between actual and ideal levels, as well as between relation to self and to spouse following treatment, were also noted. Alternative explanations of the findings were briefly discussed.
Effect of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) nucleocapsid protein on HIV-1 reverse transcriptase activity in vitro

Conversion of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) genomic RNA to viral DNA is a requisite step in the virus life cycle. This conversion is catalyzed by reverse transcriptase (RT) associated with a large nucleoprotein complex composed of several viral proteins including nucleocapsid (NC). To better characterize the biochemical mechanisms of viral DNA synthesis, we overexpressed and purified recombinant HIV-1 NC and studied its effect on the activity and processivity of HIV-1 RT during polymerization of HIV-1 template sequences in vitro. The effect of NC on steady-state RT activity was dependent on the order of addition of reaction components. Addition of NC prior to formation of RT-primer.template-dNTP ternary complexes inhibited primer extension and reduced total product yields by slowing steady-state RT turnover. In contrast, addition of NC to preformed ternary complexes resulted in efficient primer extension and increased RT processivity at specific DNA template sites. NC stimulated polymerization (2-4 times) through eight of 13 sites examined in the cRRE region of HIV-1 env and increased the rate of polymerization through the D3/CTS region of HIV-1 pol 10 times. The data suggest that NC affects RT processivity by facilitating polymerization through regions of template secondary structure. Thus, NC functions as a single-strand binding (SSB)-like accessory replication factor for RT in vitro and may be part of a multicomponent retroviral replication complex.
Application of Postcolumn Ionization in the High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Analysis of Butabarbital Sodium Elixir

Abstract □ A sensitive postcolumn ionization high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the quantitative determination of butabarbital sodium in butabarbital sodium elixir is described. The procedure employs a octadecylsilane column chemically bonded to porous silica microparticles. The mobile phase is a mixture of methanol and water (typically 35:65), adjusted to provide separation of butabarbital from two degradation compounds and other formulation ingredients. A buffer (pH 10) added between the column and detector provides for the primary ionization of the barbiturate necessary for optimum UV-detector sensitivity at ~ 240 nm. Determinations are made using the sodium salt; thus the need for extraction of the free base is eliminated. The procedure is linear over the 0.3–0.9-mg/ml concentration range of butabarbital sodium. Reproducibility values for 10 injections of a single reference standard range from 100.2 to 100.8% of theoretical with a mean of 100.5% and a coefficient of variation of 0.23%. An interlaboratory precision study for blind duplicates of one simulated product formulation and two commercial elixers produced coefficients of variation of 1.4, 1.3, and 1.1%, respectively. Recovery determinations for the drug in simulated product formulations ranged from 98.4 to 99.0%, intralaboratory, and 97.7 to 102.2%, interlaboratory. The HPLC procedure is stability indicating with respect to two decomnositinn products.
Finger pulse volume as a measure of anxiety in response to evaluative threat.

Previous research has validated finger pulse volume (FPV) as a measure of anxiety in response to threat of physical harm. The present study evaluated FPV as a measure of anxiety in response to a social-evaluative threat. Physiological and self-report measures of anxiety were recorded while subjects anticipated and responded to an interview in either high or low stress conditions. Results indicated that FPV was sensitive to the stress manipulation during both periods and was correlated with self-reported anxiety during the anticipation period. The findings were discussed in terms of FPV as a physiological index in the assessment of anxiety.
Target tissue uptake selectivity of three fluorine-substituted progestins: potential imaging agents for receptor-positive breast tumors.

Abstract We have studied three new fluorine-substituted progestins ( 1–3 ) as potential imaging agents for progesterone receptor (PgR)-positive human breast tumors. Two of these are fluorine-substituted analogs of the potent progestin R5020 (promegestone), derived from (21S)-hydroxy R 5020 (RU 27987) and (21 R )-hydroxy R 5020 (RU 27988), known metabolites of R 5020, which have affinities for PgR that are 116 and 4%, respectively (relative to R 5020 = 100%). These precursors were protected as their 3,3-dioxolane derivatives and converted to the 21-trifluoromethanesulfonate derivatives. Fluoride ion displacement, followed by acid-catalyzed deprotection, furnished in good yield the epimeric fluoroanalogs, (21 S )- and (21 R )-fluoro R 5020 ( 1 and 2 , affinities for PgR , 11 and 45%, respectively). These compounds were also prepared in 18 F labeled form by the same route, in 14–32% overall radiochemical yield (decay corrected; synthesis time 90 min; sp. act. 370–1060 Ci/mmol). In tissue distribution studies in estrogen-primed immature rats, uterus-to-muscle ratios were 4.3 at 1 h for the 21S-epimer and 1.1 for the 21 R -epimer, paralleling their relative binding affinities. Considerable metabolic defluorination was observed. The third fluorine-substituted progestin, DU 41165, has a novel retroprogesterone (9β, 10α) structure, substituted with fluorine at C-6; its binding affinity is 145% relative to R 5020, and it was prepared in tritium-labeled form by acetylation of DU 41231, the 17α-hydroxy precursor, with [ 3 H]acetic anhydride. In estrogen-primed immature rats, this compound shows uterus-to-muscle ratios of 15 at 1 h, and 18–71 between 2 and 6 h, suggesting that compounds in this retroprogesterone series may be very promising candidates for selective imaging of PgR -positive tissues and tumors.
Dendrimer−Linear Polymer Hybrids through ROMP

A dendritic, highly monodisperse hybrid polymer is produced by ring-opening metathesis polymerization of a norbornenediol ketal affixed to a second-generation dendron bearing multiple aromatic (naphthyl) chromophores. Substantial excimer emission observed in the hybrid polymer attests to significant polymer aggregation and interchromophore interaction, even in dilute solution.
Use of an Enzyme-Treated, Whey-Based Medium to Reduce Culture Agglutination

Abstract Rennet whey was hydrolyzed with papain during diafiltration at 40°C over a 2-h period. Permeate collected from a membrane with a molecular weight cut-off of 10,000 was freeze-dried and added to internal pH-controlled buffer salts as a replacement of the whey fraction. A control medium was prepared using dried whey. Both media were reconstituted (7.5% solids) and heat treated (85°C for 45min). Commercial lactic cultures OS, M30, and M37 were grown in both media to prepare bulk starter. Pasteurized skim milk (1000ml) in graduated cylinders was inoculated (5%) with bulk starter, Top and bottom pH of the skim milk was determined at 1-h intervals for 5h. Culture agglutination was inhibited by 55 and 72% for cultures M30 and M37, respectively, when cultures were grown in the hydrolyzed whey media. Microscopic examination showed that cultures grown in hydrolyzed whey media formed considerably shorter chains and had little to no clumping.
Fructose intolerance in IBS and utility of fructose-restricted diet.

Introduction: Whether dietary fructose intolerance causes symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is unclear. We examined the prevalence of fructose intolerance in IBS and long-term outcome of fructose-restricted diet. Methods: Two hundred and nine patients with suspected IBS were retrospectively evaluated for organic illnesses. Patients with IBS (Rome II) and positive fructose breath test received instructions regarding fructose-restricted diet. One year later, their symptoms, compliance with, and effects of dietary modification on lifestyle were assessed using a structured interview. Results: Eighty patients (m/f = 26/54) fulfilled Rome II criteria. Of 80 patients, 31 (38%) had positive breath test. Of 31 patients, 26 (84%) participated in follow-up (mean = 13 mo) evaluation. Of 26 patients, 14 (53%) were compliant with diet; mean compliance =71%. In this group, pain, belching, bloating, fullness, indigestion, and diarrhea improved (P 0.05). Conclusions: About one-third of patients with suspected IBS had fructose intolerance. When compliant, symptoms improved on fructose-restricted diet despite moderate impact on lifestyle; noncompliance was associated with persistent symptoms. Fructose intolerance is another jigsaw piece of the IBS puzzle that may respond to dietary modification.
Antiepileptic hypersensitivity syndrome: clinicians beware and be aware.

Antiepileptic hypersensitivity syndrome is a serious idiosyncratic, non-dose-related adverse reaction reported to occur with phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, primidone, and lamotrigine. The reaction usually develops 1 to 12 weeks after initiation of therapy with one of the above agents and is recognized by the classic triad of fever, rash, and internal organ involvement. Immediate discontinuation of the suspected anticonvulsant is essential for good outcome. Patients usually are managed supportively with hydration, antihistamines, H2-receptor blockers, and topical corticosteroids. In severe cases, the use of systemic corticosteroids may be necessary. The use of intravenous immune globulin should be limited to severe cases where Kawasaki disease or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura cannot be ruled out. Education of health care professionals and patients is imperative to improving outcomes and prevention of this reaction in the future.
SOVIET CIVILIZATION AND ITS EMOTIONAL DISCONTENTS

This study is based on the premise that Soviet civilization represented a concerted effort to harness emotions to an ideological cause, to reshape human affect according to the Communist Party's political agenda. Even though these efforts largely failed, they left deep scars on the Russian psyche. The emotional culture that evolved during some 75 years of Soviet rule continues to persist after the coercive institutions supporting it have broken down, and this inertia greatly complicates the transition to a democratic society in Russia.
Strategic analysis of public transport coverage

Abstract Public transport service provision is viewed as an important component of the overall transportation planning and management process. Research examining public transportation performance and how it may be enhanced is much needed. This paper addresses strategic aspects of service access. Public transport in Brisbane, Australia is evaluated using a commercial geographical information system integrated with various spatial analytical techniques including a location covering model. The developed strategic analysis approach is effective for justifying local modifications to the public transport system with respect to system inefficiencies and also allows this to be done with significant user (or public) input. Such strategic approaches are likely to result in higher regional utilization of public transportation.
Kinetic extensions of magnetohydrodynamics for axisymmetric toroidal plasmas

Abstract A nonvariational kinetic-MHD stability code (NOVA-K) has been developed to integrate non-Hermitian integro-differential eigenmode equations due to energetic particles in a general flux coordinate (ψ, θ, ζ) system with an arbitrary Jacobian. The NOVA-K code employs the Galerkin method involving Fourier expansions in the generalized poloidal angle θ and generalized toroidal angle ζ directions, and cubic-B spline finite elements in the radial ψ direction. Extensive comparisons with the existing variational ideal MHD codes show that the NOVA-K code coverages faster and gives more accurate results. We have employed the NOVA-K code to study the effects of energetic particles on MHD type modes: (1) the stabilization of ideal MHD internal kink modes and the excitation of “fishbone” internal kink modes; (2) the α-particle destabilization of toroidicity-induced Alfven eigenmodes (TAE) via transit and/or trapped particle resonances. Analytical theories are also presented to help explain the NOVA-K results. For energetic trapped particles generated by neutral-beam injection (NBI) and ion cyclotron resonant heating (ICRH) a stability window for the n = 1 internal kink mode in the hot particle beta space exists. On the other hand, the trapped α-particles can resonantly destabilize the n = 1 resonant fishbone mode even for total plasma β value smaller than the β threshold value for the n = 1 ideal internal kink mode. Finally, we show that the TAE modes can be destabilizedby α-particles via inverse Landau damping associated with the spatial gradient of the α-particle pressure with very low α-particle β threshold in the order of 10 −4 for major tokamak DT experiments.
Cathepsin S Signals via PAR2 and Generates a Novel Tethered Ligand Receptor Agonist

Protease-activated receptor-2 is widely expressed in mammalian epithelial, immune and neural tissues. Cleavage of PAR2 by serine proteases leads to self-activation of the receptor by the tethered ligand SLIGRL. The contribution of other classes of proteases to PAR activation has not been studied in detail. Cathepsin S is a widely expressed cysteine protease that is upregulated in inflammatory conditions. It has been suggested that cathepsin S activates PAR2. However, cathepsin S activation of PAR2 has not been demonstrated directly nor has the potential mechanism of activation been identified. We show that cathepsin S cleaves near the N-terminus of PAR2 to expose a novel tethered ligand, KVDGTS. The hexapeptide KVDGTS generates downstream signaling events specific to PAR2 but is weaker than SLIGRL. Mutation of the cathepsin S cleavage site prevents receptor activation by the protease while KVDGTS retains activity. In conclusion, the range of actions previously ascribed to cysteine cathepsins in general, and cathepsin S in particular, should be expanded to include molecular signaling. Such signaling may link together observations that had been attributed previously to PAR2 or cathepsin S individually. These interactions may contribute to inflammation.
Fluidized bed combustion by‐product treatment and leaching of acid soil affects growth and boron acquisition of maize

Abstract Fluidized bed combustion bottom ash (FBCBA) from coal burning power plants often contain substances that detrimentally affect plant growth [(e.g., boron (B)] when applied to soil. Leaf symptoms similar to B toxicity appeared when maize (Zea mays L.) was grown during Year‐1 of a field experiment where FBCBA was incorporated (6,790 and 13,580 kg ha‐1) in an acidic soil (Aquic Hapludult). Soil extractable B increased with increased levels of FBCBA in Year‐1 and in Year‐2. Although levels in Year‐2 were lower than in Year‐1 they were still sufficiently high to raise concern about B toxicity. Acquisition of B in leaves of maize grown in Year‐1 was relatively high at the 5‐leaf stage of growth, and at a normal level in the ear leaf; ear leaf B in Year‐1 was greater than ear leaf B in Year‐2. Grain and fodder yields of plants grown with added FBCBA were reduced in Year‐1, but not in Year‐2. A greenhouse study was conducted to determine leachability of B through acidic soil (Typic Hapludult) columns whos...
Central cholinergic involvement in sequential behavior: Impairments of performance by atropine in a serial multiple choice task for rats

Two experiments examined whether muscarinic cholinergic systems play a role in rats' ability to perform well-learned highly-structured serial response patterns, particularly focusing on rats' performance on pattern elements learned by encoding rules versus by acquisition of stimulus-response (S-R) associations. Rats performed serial patterns of responses in a serial multiple choice task in an 8-lever circular array for hypothalamic brain-stimulation reward. Two experiments examined the effects of atropine, a centrally-acting muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonist, on rats' ability to perform pattern elements where responses were controlled by rules versus elements, such as rule-inconsistent "violation elements" and elements following "phrasing cues," where responses were controlled by associative cues. In Experiment 1, 3-element chunks of both patterns were signaled by pauses that served as phrasing cues before chunk-boundary elements, but one pattern also included a violation element that was inconsistent with pattern structure. Once rats reached a high criterion of performance, the drug challenge was intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of 50 mg/kg atropine sulfate. Atropine impaired performance on elements learned by S-R learning, namely, chunk-boundary elements and the violation element, but had no effect on performance of rule-based within-chunk elements. In Experiment 2, patterns were phrased and unphrased perfect patterns (i.e., without violation elements). To control for peripheral effects of atropine, rats were treated with a series of doses of either centrally-acting atropine or peripherally-acting atropine methyl nitrate (AMN), which does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Once rats reached a high criterion, the drug challenges were on alternate days in the order 50, 25, and 100 mg/kg of either atropine sulfate or AMN. Atropine, but not AMN, impaired performance in the phrased perfect pattern for pattern elements where S-R associations were important for performance, namely, chunk-boundary elements. However, in the structurally more ambiguous unphrased perfect pattern where rats had fewer cues and presumably relied more on S-R associations throughout, atropine impaired performance on all pattern elements. Thus, intact muscarinic cholinergic systems were shown to be necessary for discriminative control previously established by S-R learning, but were not necessary for rule-based serial pattern performance.