cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adrenal cortical and medullary responses to trauma in dogs with isolated pituitaries.

The adrenal venous output of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids and cateehol amines was measured in the basal state and following burn trauma in a series of dogs with their brains removed. The brain above the inferior colliculus was removed, leaving the pituitary in situ. For as long as five days after brain removal, such animals revealed high resting levels of corticoids and two-thirds of the animals responded to burn trauma with increased outputs of cortico-steroids. Low resting levels of catechol amine output were observed in the dogs with isolated pituitaries, with normal increased response following burns
Lightning-based propagation of convective rain fields

Abstract. This paper describes a new multi-sensor approach for continuously monitoring convective rain cells. It exploits lightning data from surface networks to propagate rain fields estimated from multi-frequency brightness temperature measurements taken by the AMSU/MHS microwave radiometers onboard NOAA/EUMETSAT low Earth orbiting operational satellites. Specifically, the method allows inferring the development (movement, morphology and intensity) of convective rain cells from the spatial and temporal distribution of lightning strokes following any observation by a satellite-borne microwave radiometer. Obviously, this is particularly attractive for real-time operational purposes, due to the sporadic nature of the low Earth orbiting satellite measurements and the continuous availability of ground-based lightning measurements – as is the case in most of the Mediterranean region. A preliminary assessment of the lightning-based rainfall propagation algorithm has been successfully made by using two pairs of consecutive AMSU observations, in conjunction with lightning measurements from the ZEUS network, for two convective events. Specifically, we show that the evolving rain fields, which are estimated by applying the algorithm to the satellite-based rainfall estimates for the first AMSU overpass, show an overall agreement with the satellite-based rainfall estimates for the second AMSU overpass.
Critical lessons from the transactional perspective on early literacy research

This article is a synthesis of early literacy research organized according to critical lessons that delineate our shared knowledge base that we name a ‘transactional perspective on early literacy development.’ The critical lessons are grouped into three sets to present the continuum of methodological stances that interpretive researchers take as they design and carry out early literacy studies. This synthesis is particularly timely now – as children and teachers in classrooms around the world struggle to maintain control over literacy learning and teaching within narrow governmental agendas and mandates. Given current governmental agendas (i.e. No Child Left Behind in the USA, the National Literacy Strategy in the UK, among many), it is critical to remember that we share a robust theory, a transactional view of early literacy development that explains how young children come to be literate members of society.
Component B binding to the soluble methane monooxygenase hydroxylase by saturation-recovery EPR spectroscopy of spin-labeled MMOB.

Spin-labeled Cys89 of the soluble methane monooxygenase regulatory protein (MMOB) from Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) binds within 15 ± 4 A of the hydroxylase (MMOH) diiron center, placing the MMOB docking site in the MMOH “canyon” region on iron-coordinating helices E and F of the α-subunit.
Validation of creatinine assays utilizing HPLC and IDMS traceable standards in sera of children

The purpose of this study was to validate serum creatinine (SCr) concentrations assayed in the Central Biochemistry Laboratory of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) study utilizing an enzymatic assay (Siemens Advia 2400) against a method traceable to reference isotope dilution mass spectroscopy (IDMS) developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) measured SCr after external validation utilizing IDMS-based standard reference materials. Sera from the first 201 subjects enrolled in CKiD were analyzed and compared for creatinine concentration by enzymatic and HPLC methods. Fifty “normal” pediatric sera were subsequently analyzed. Finally, a “pediatric” reference standard was prepared and examined for accuracy and precision. Enzymatic SCr concentrations (median 1.4 mg/dl) of CKiD subjects were well correlated with HPLC (r = 0.984) but were slightly higher (+7%; p < 0.001). Agreement was poorer at lower SCr (median 0.4 mg/dl) when using samples from normal children and the “pediatric” reference standard. However, the Roche enzymatic assay was comparable with HPLC in accuracy and precision. Referring physicians should be aware of the accuracy and reproducibility of their laboratory’s SCr assay. Our enzymatic assay agreed well with HPLC in CKiD subjects with elevated SCr. We suggest that NIST develop a pediatric SCr standard reference material for use by assay manufacturers to improve accuracy and precision of assays at the low SCr levels observed in most pediatric patients.
Bacterial community structure of nirK-bearing denitrifiers and the development of properties of soils in created mitigation wetlands

We investigated the abundance and genetic heterogeneity of bacterial nitrite reductase genes (nir) and soil structural properties in created and natural freshwater wetlands in the Virginia piedmont. Soil attributes included soil organic matter (SOM), total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), pH, gravimetric soil moisture (GSM), and bulk density (Db). A subset of soil attributes were analyzed across the sites, using euclidean cluster analysis, resulting in three soil condition (SC) groups of increasing wetland soil development (i.e., SC1 < SC2 < SC3; less to more developed or matured) as measured by accumulation of TOC, TN, the increase of GSM, and the decrease of Db. There were no difference found in the bacterial community diversity between the groups (p = 0.4). NirK gene copies detected ranged between 3.6 × 104 and 3.4 × 107 copies g−1 soil and were significantly higher in the most developed soil group, SC3, than in the least developed soil group, SC1. However, the gene copies were lowest in SC2 that had a significantly higher soil pH (~6.6) than the other two SC groups (~5.3). The same pattern was found in denitrifying enzyme activity (DEA) on a companion study where DEA was found negatively correlated with soil pH. Gene fragments were amplified and products were screened by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis. Among 146 different T-RFs identified, fourteen were dominant and together made up more than 65% of all detected fragments. While SC groups did not relate to whole nirK communities, most soil properties that identified SC groups did significantly correlate to dominant members of the community.
Delayed-gamma signature calculation for neutron-induced fission and activation using MCNPX. Part II: Simulations

Abstract The capability to conduct automated radiation-transport simulations of delayed-gamma emission spectra at discrete (line) energies created by the products of neutron fission and activation has been developed for MCNPX. To do so, the CINDER'90 isotopic transmutation code has been merged into MCNPX to seamlessly supply time-dependent, decay-chain atom densities for 3400 nuclides. A new dataset containing ENDF/B-VI emission-probability line data for 979 nuclides has been created for MCNPX, with the balance of the 3400 nuclides treated using existing 25-group emission spectra. Cumulative distribution sampling functions have been developed to accommodate line and multigroup emission data. Fission-product sampling for fissions induced by sub-20-MeV neutrons uses fission-yield data for thermal ( E E E ≥ 14 MeV) neutrons for isotopes of uranium, plutonium, thorium, americium, californium, curium, einsteinium, fermium, and neptunium. For higher-energy neutrons, LAHET, a physics package that is also a part of MCNPX, generates a list of residual nuclides. In Part II, we present simulation results for models based on experiments conducted by Fisher and Engle (1964) and Beddingfield and Cecil (1998) to validate the new capability. As will be seen therein, the MCNPX results are in good agreement with the measured data. Finally, in Part III we augment the Monte Carlo presentation with a transport-theory formulation to provide a succinct encapsulation of the relevant physics. The new MCNPX delayed-gamma development offers a powerful new tool for fission-related signature recognition.
Properties of tetrahydropteroylpentaglutamate bound to 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase

A new rapid procedure for purifying 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase results in 90 mg of pure enzyme from two rabbit livers. This abundant liver enzyme is known to bind its product tetrahydropteroylpentaglutamate (H4PteGlu5) so tightly that it does not dissociate during size exclusion chromatography. 10-Formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase is also known to exhibit strong product inhibition by H4PteGlu5. There is a several-fold excess of 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase subunits in liver relative to the concentration of H4PteGlun, suggesting that in vivo this enzyme may bind significant amounts of this coenzyme in a nearly irreversible enzyme. H4PteGlu5 complex. How this tightly bound H4PteGlun is transferred to the other two enzymes in the cytosol, serine hydroxymethyltransferase and C1-tetrahydrofolate synthase, which use H4PteGlu5 as a substrate, is the subject of this investigation. Analysis of the product inhibition curve for 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase shows that H4-PteGlu5 has a dissociation constant near 15 nM which is 60-fold lower than the Ks for 10-formyl-H4PteGlu5. Fluorescence titration studies also yield a Kd of about 20 nM for H4PteGlu5. Coupling the 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase reaction to an excess of either serine hydroxymethyltransferase or C1-tetrahydrofolate synthase not only abolishes product inhibition but also increases the initial rate of its activity by about 2-fold. Passage of a reaction mixture of 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase down a size exclusion column results in enzyme with 1 equiv of H4PteGlu5 bound per subunit. However, addition of either serine hydroxymethyltransferase or C1-tetrahydrofolate synthase results in a rapid transfer of this bound folate to these enzymes. Evidence is also presented that the tightly bound folate is in equilibrium with solvent H4PteGlu5.
Spectrophotometric determination of diaminopyrimidines using benzoquinone

The diaminopyrimidine derivatives trimethoprim (TMP), pyrimethamine (PMA) and 2,4-diaminopyrimidine (2,4-DAP) are found to react readily and efficiently in an aqueous solution with p-benzoquinone (p-BQ) to form a colored product with an absorption optimum wavelength of about 500 nm. The optimum reaction time, pH, temperature, solvent, and [p-BQ] are determined by separate trials. These conditions are confirmed by a MultiSimplex optimization method. The molar absorptivities of the TMP, PMA, and 2,4-DAP reaction products at 500 nm are 10,830, 10,650, and 9660 l mol(-1) cm(-1), respectively. TMP shows a linear range between 5 and 100 mg/l while PMA and 2,4-DAP exhibit linearity between 15 and 75 mg l(-1) and 5 and 30 mg l(-1), respectively. There is some specificity to this reaction; 2-aminopyrimidine does not react. Under the optimum conditions, sulfamethoxazole (SM) reacts rather poorly with a molar absorptivity of about 110 l mol(-) cm(-1). Using p-BQ, TMP in a pharmaceutical sample can be determined in the presence of SM using derivative spectrophotometry. The TMP-p-BQ reaction is adaptable for flow injection analysis.
Service Experiences and Satisfaction Judgments: The Use of Affect and Beliefs in Judgment Formation

Recalling a service experience may increase the accessibility of relevant beliefs and affect an individual's temporary mood. We examine the interplay of mood and accessible beliefs in the construction of satisfaction judgments. We find that episodically recounting the specific service encounter results in assimilation effects on the satisfaction ratings of both the service provider and a competitive company. Analytically recounting the service encounter, on the other hand, results in assimilation effects for judgments of the service provider and effects in the direction of contrast for judgments of the competitive company. In this case, beliefs about the service provider appear to provide a comparison standard against which the competitive company is judged. Implications of these findings for measuring and managing consumer satisfaction are discussed.
New Product Development under Changing Economic Conditions: THE ROLE OF THE SALESFORCE

An increasing role for the sales force in the new product development process is proposed. The sales job itself has been evolving toward one of relationship building with customers. Marketplace and economic changes such as globalization and large debt have caused firms to look much more carefully at the allocation of their resources, including expenditures on the new product development process. These and other factors, such as the disenchantment with marketing research and personnel downsizing, suggest that the sales force might begin to play an expanded role in new product development. The pros and cons of this strategy, along with its implications for sales force management, are discussed.
Effect of friction between fiber and matrix on the fracture toughness of the composite interface

A method of evaluating the interfacial fracture toughness using a single-fibre composite test is proposed. In contrast with the existing techniques, the method takes into account the phenomenon of friction between the fibre and matrix in the debonding zone. A general mathematical solution of the problem and modelling of the friction phenomenon are presented. Finite-element analysis using a “contact” statement is utilized for numerical evaluation of the stress–strain state. The influence of the coefficient of friction and interfacial debonding length is analysed in detail. It is shown that the friction reduces the calculated value of the elastic strain energy release rate for a given debonding length, relative to that obtained when friction is neglected. The magnitude of the difference depends on the coefficient of friction, the elastic properties of the fibre and matrix, and the characteristics of the debonding mechanism. Experimental data on debonding in a series of glass-epoxy single-fibre composites are analysed using the proposed numerical technique to obtain the effects of fibre surface treatments and fibre strain-to-break on the interfacial fracture toughness. © Kluwer Academic Publishers
Information integration for complex systems

This paper develops a framework to determine the performance or reliability of a complex system. We consider a case study in missile reliability that focuses on the assessment of a high fidelity launch vehicle intended to emulate a ballistic missile threat. In particular, we address the case of how to make a system assessment when there are limited full-system tests. We address the development of a system model and the integration of a variety of data using a Bayesian network.
Comprehensive Expression Profile Analysis of the Arabidopsis Hsp70 Gene Family

We isolated cDNA clones for two nuclear-encoded, organellar members of the Arabidopsis hsp70 gene family, mtHsc70-2 (AF217458) and cpHsc70-2 (AF217459). Together with the completion of the genome sequence, the hsp70 family in Arabidopsis consists of 14 members unequally distributed among the five chromosomes. To establish detailed expression data of this gene family, a comprehensive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis for 11 hsp70s was conducted including analysis of organ-specific and developmental expression and expression in response to temperature extremes. All hsp70s showed 2- to 20-fold induction by heat shock treatment except cpHsc70-1 and mtHsc70-1, which were unchanged or repressed. The expression profiles in response to low temperature treatment were more diverse than those evoked by heat shock treatment. Both mitochondrial and all cytosolic members of the family except Hsp70b were strongly induced by low temperature, whereas endoplasmic reticulum and chloroplast members were not induced or were slightly repressed. Developmentally regulated expression of the heat-inducible Hsp70 in mature dry seed and roots in the absence of temperature stress suggests prominent roles in seed maturation and root growth for this member of the hsp70 family. This reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis establishes the complex differential expression pattern for the hsp70s in Arabidopsis that portends specialized functions even among members localized to the same subcellular compartment.
Dynamics of hydrogen bond desolvation in protein folding.

Abstract As proteins fold, a progressive structuring, immobilization and eventual exclusion of water surrounding backbone hydrogen bonds takes place. This process turns hydrogen bonds into major determinants of the folding pathway and compensates for the penalty of desolvation of the backbone polar groups. Taken as an average over all hydrogen bonds in a native fold, this extent of protection is found to be nearly ubiquitous. It is dynamically crucial, determining a constraint in the long-time limit behavior of coarse-grained ab initio simulations. Furthermore, an examination of one of the longest available (1 μs) all-atom simulations with explicit solvent reveals that this average extent of protection is a constant of motion for the folding trajectory. We propose how such a stabilization is best achieved by clustering five hydrophobes around the backbone hydrogen bonds, an arrangement that yields the optimal stabilization. Our results support and clarify the view that hydrophobic surface burial should be commensurate with hydrogen-bond formation and enable us to define a basic desolvation motif inherent to structure and folding dynamics.
Impact of risk score calculations in choosing front-line tyrosine kinase inhibitors for patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia in the chronic phase.

The approval of multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting BCR-ABL has broadened the number of available therapeutic options for chronic myeloid leukemia in the chronic phase (CML-CP). This provides an impetus for optimizing prognostic risk score systems that can guide treatment decisions. Presently, three risk scores—the Sokal, Hasford, and European Treatment and Outcome Study (EUTOS) metrics—have been implemented clinically in CML-CP. While these three formulations all endeavor to gauge likely disease course, they differ from one another in several important respects, with potential implications for prognosis and therapy. Here, we review these risk scores and propose how prognostic systems in CML-CP might be refined to direct patients to optimally effective therapies as efficiently and accurately as possible.
Indirect Measures of Arterial Stiffness and Cognitive Performance in Individuals Without Traditional Vascular Risk Factors or Disease

IMPORTANCE Whether cognition is influenced by arterial stiffness in the absence of vascular disease remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE To test the hypotheses that indirect measures of arterial stiffness are important predictors of cognitive performance and that this relationship varies depending on the presence of vascular disease. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Participants included 2573 noninstitutionalized US adults randomly selected from 2 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2002). The sample was stratified by groups based on the presence (VASC+) vs the absence (VASC-) of vascular variables negatively associated with cognition to assess the effects of indirect measures of arterial stiffness on cognitive performance. We used logistic regression to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% CIs. P < .05 was considered statistically significant. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The Digit Symbol Substitution Test score was used as a continuous variable, and the lowest quintile was designated as an indicator of poorer cognitive performance. RESULTS In the VASC+ group, poorer cognitive performance was more likely with increasing age (OR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.08-1.17]; P < .001), a sedentary lifestyle (OR, 2.99 [95% CI, 1.62-5.55]; P = .002), and the use of dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (OR, 9.24 [95% CI, 1.35-63.23]; P = .02). Poorer cognitive performance in the VASC+ group was less likely in women (OR, 0.37 [95% CI, 0.18-0.72]; P = .02), non-Hispanic white individuals (OR, 0.16 [95% CI, 0.09-0.26]; P < .001), those with higher educational attainment (OR, 0.23 [95% CI, 0.14-0.38]; P < .001), those with higher income levels (OR, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.72-0.76]; P < .001), and those who used renin-angiotensin system blockers (OR, 0.24 [95% CI, 0.07-0.79]; P = .02). In the VASC- group, the most important significant predictors of poorer cognitive performance were an ankle brachial index greater than 1.30 (OR, 18.56 [95% CI, 2.94-117.05]; P = .002) and increased blood pressure variability (OR, 3.49 [95% CI, 1.07-11.35]; P = .04). Among participants in the VASC- group who had both of these variables, the prevalence of poorer cognitive performance was greater (β = 16.65; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Two indirect measures of arterial stiffness, an ankle brachial index greater than 1.30 and increased blood pressure variability, are associated with poorer cognitive performance among adults 60 years or older without clinical atherosclerotic disease. Among those with vascular disease, factors capable of influencing arterial stiffness, such as exercise and the use of renin-angiotensin system blockers, may be protective against poorer cognitive performance.
Chrysotile asbestos fibers mediate homologous recombination in Rat2λ fibroblasts: implications for carcinogenesis

Asbestos fibers are widespread environmental carcinogens whose mutagenicity is now established. Nonetheless, the molecular nature of these mutations and the mechanisms by which they accelerate carcinogenesis remain poorly understood. We have assessed the ability of asbestos fibers to promote homologous recombination, a potent mechanism for generating intrachromosomal rearrangements, such as deletions, and mitotic recombination. For this, we have developed a new assay which determines the extent to which a marker gene present in DNA introduced by asbestos can recombine with homologous genes residing in a transfected cell. We have demonstrated that Calidria chrysotile fibers are mutagenic and are able to mediate transfection of molecularly marked mutant lacI genes in a manner that results in their preferential recombination with homologous wild-type genes in the transfected cell. Asbestos induced recombination events may play a significant role in asbestos mutagenesis and carcinogenesis, and promotion of recombination may underlie the well-recognized synergy of asbestos with other carcinogens.
Ultrafast Hopping Dynamics of 5 f Electrons in the Mott Insulator UO 2 Studied by Femtosecond Pump-Probe Spectroscopy

We describe a femtosecond pump-probe study of ultrafast hopping dynamics of $5f$ electrons in the Mott insulator ${\mathrm{UO}}_{2}$ following Mott-gap excitation at temperatures of 5--300 K. Hopping-induced response of the lattice and electrons is probed by transient reflectivity at mid- and above-gap photon energies, respectively. These measurements show an instantaneous hop, subsequent picosecond lattice deformation, followed by acoustic phonon emission and microsecond relaxation. Temperature-dependent studies indicate that the slow relaxation results from Hubbard excitons formed by ${\mathrm{U}}^{3+}\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{U}}^{5+}$ pairs.
Hepatocellular carcinoma in a pregnant woman detected by routine screening of maternal α-fetoprotein

Abstract A 26-year-old pregnant woman was diagnosed as having hepatocellular carcinoma at 16 weeks of gestation when extremely high levels of α-fetoprotein were found on a routine screening examination. The pregnancy was terminated, and a right hepatectomy was performed. Although such cases are rare, this one suggests that early measurement of maternal serum α-fetoprotein in a pregnant woman with hepatitis B surface antigenemia may allow the timely detection of a hepatocellular carcinoma.
Renal growth in response to unilateral ureteral obstruction

Unilateral renal disease or a unilateral nephrectomy results in a stimulus to growth of the contralateral kidney that returns the total kidney mass and the glomerular filtration rate to a value near normal [1–12]. Unilateral ureteral obstruction also initiates growth of both the obstructed and the contralateral untouched kidney [6, 13–20]. Since the growth characteristics of the two kidneys differ, we would like to examine the literature on kidney growth in the hydronephrotic kidney model and direct attention to the differences between the hydronephrotic and the contralateral intact kidney.
From “ancient” to “modern”: a cross‐cultural investigation of electronic commerce adoption in Greece and the United States

Globalization and the ubiquitous nature of the Internet facilitate e‐commerce activities across nations. An empirical study was conducted using data from Greek and US consumers in order to obtain a better understanding of cross‐cultural e‐commerce adoption. The results give support for the proposed hypotheses, emphasizing the moderating role of cultural differences on consumer e‐commerce adoption. The unique contributions of this paper are three fold. First, we introduce Hofstede's cultural dimension of uncertainty avoidance to the study of cross‐cultural e‐commerce adoption model. Second, we apply the theory of planned behavior perspective to capture behavioral intentions to transact online in two dissimilar countries – Greece and the US. Finally, the paper discusses several insights from this exploratory study that enrich the cross‐cultural e‐commerce literature.
A comparative study of Zn(O,S) buffer layers and CIGS solar cells fabricated by CBD, ALD, and sputtering

Zn(O,S) thin films were deposited by chemical bath deposition (CBD), atomic layer deposition, and sputtering. Composition of the films and band gap were measured and found to follow the trends described in the literature. CBD Zn(O,S) parameters were optimized and resulted in an 18.5% efficiency cell that did not require post annealing, light soaking, or an undoped ZnO layer. Promising results were obtained with sputtering. A 13% efficiency cell was obtained for a Zn(O,S) emitter layer deposited with 0.5%O 2 . With further optimization of process parameters and an analysis of the loss mechanisms, it should be possible to increase the efficiency.
Extensional layer-parallel shear and normal faulting

Abstract An extensional fault system in Bare Mountain, Nevada, U.S.A., contains abundant evidence of layer-parallel shear deformation contemporaneous with faulting. Layer-parallel shear is manifest by deformation of pre-faulting fabrics and cleavage at low angles to bedding that indicate shear in the down-dip direction, perpendicular to fault-bedding intersections. Layer-parallel shear along discrete bedding planes locally offsets normal faults, and shear distributed within layers reorients block-bounding normal faults. In simple rigid block models of extension accommodated by normal faults above a low-angle detachment or decollement, extension causes faults to rotate to progressively shallower dips, while originally horizontal beds rotate to steeper dips. These rotations reorient faults out of originally optimum conditions for slip into orientations of a lower slip tendency, whereas bedding rotates to steeper dips with progressively higher slip tendency. The timing or amount of rotation before the initiation of layer-parallel shear depends on the frictional resistance to sliding or resistance to shearing within layering in fault blocks. Offset or deflection of block-bounding normal faults may cause faults to lock as extension increases. Alternatively, bedding and faults may become simultaneously active, progressively lowering dips of faults and bedding until neither is well oriented for slip, at which point new faults are required to accommodate additional extension. At Bare Mountain, early extension within the fault system was accomplished by fault slip and associated block rotation. Continued extension took place by slip along bedding within fault blocks.
Effect of tannic acid concentration on development of the western treehole mosquito, Aedes sierrensis (Diptera: Culicidae)

Populations ofAedes sierrensis (Ludlow) completed development in tannic acid solutions over a wide concentration range (i.e., 0–1.0 g/liter) in artificial microcosms exposed to field conditions. The most notable effects of high tannic acid concentration were to slow larval developmental rates and to reduce numbers of adults produced; adult size and sex ratio were minimally affected. Vector potential of the western treehole mosquito is discussed in terms of tannin concentration.
Ultrasonic wave propagation in tetragonal crystals and measurements of the elastic constants of strontium molybdate

A complete analysis for the propagation of ultrasonic waves in solids of the tetragonal system is described. The analytic solutions for seven elastic constants are given in terms of ultrasonic velocities in several high symmetry directions. The experimental results for single crystal strontium molybdate at room temperatures are also presented. Es wird eine vollstandige Analyse fur die Ausbreitung von Ultraschallwellen in festen Korpern des tetragonalen Systems beschrieben. Die analytischen Losungen fur sieben elastische Konstanten werden in Abhangigkeit von den Ultraschallgeschwindigkeiten in mehreren hochsymmetrischen Richtungen gegeben. Die experimentellen Ergebnisse fur Einkristalle von Strontiummolybdat bei Zimmertemperatur werden ebenfalls mitgeteilt.
Longitudinal evaluation of neurobehavioral outcomes after carotid revascularization.

Background Carotid revascularization, including carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS), is performed for stroke risk reduction but may also impact cognitive function. Cognitive outcomes observed after carotid revascularization have been inconsistent, and mechanistic relationships with procedural factors are poorly understood. To further explore associations between carotid revascularization and cognitive outcomes, a prospective longitudinal evaluation was conducted of patients undergoing elective CEA or CAS for hemodynamically significant carotid stenosis. Methods Patients undergoing primary carotid artery revascularization for hemodynamically significant stenosis were evaluated with neurologic and neuropsychological testing at baseline and at 1 and 6 months after revascularization. A subgroup of patients was also studied with baseline and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Outcomes included neurologic or neuropsychological deficits and imaging findings (including quantitative assessment of cerebral blood flow). Results Sixteen patients underwent carotid revascularization with both preoperative and postoperative neurologic and neuropsychological testing; preoperative and postoperative MRIs were also performed on eight patients. Five of 16 treated carotid lesions (31%) were considered symptomatic, and severity of carotid stenosis was 60–79% for 6 of 16 lesions and 80% or more in all others. A single perioperative neurologic deficit was identified; all other patients (15/16) had no abnormalities detected by neurologic examination. Neuropsychological testing identified new postoperative deficits in 3 patients (19%), among whom 2 had a normal neurologic examination at all time points, whereas 1 had clinical evidence of stroke. Quantitative analysis of mean cerebral blood flow revealed postrevascularization increases for both gray matter (48.6 ± 13.9 mL per 100 g/min vs 75.3 ± 70.8 mL per 100 g/min) and white matter (31.8 ± 10.6 mL per 100 g/min vs 55.2 ± 30.1 mL per 100 g/min)( P = 0.04). New postoperative MRI foci of restricted diffusion were identified in 2 patients, both of whom had no neurologic or neuropsychological deficit. Among patients with postoperative neuropsychological deficits, MRI revealed globally increased cerebral perfusion without new postoperative abnormalities in 2 of 3. Conclusions The relationship between carotid revascularization and cognitive function is complex, and cognitive deficits may occur in the presence of increased cerebral perfusion without detectable embolization.
Soufriere Volcano, St. Vincent: Observations of Its 1979 Eruption from the Ground, Aircraft, and Satellites

Rapid response by earth, atmospheric, and space scientists made possible diverse observations during the explosive phase of the 1979 eruption of Soufriere Volcano. The 11 reports that follow indicate that, with the availability of appropriate personnel, equipment, and logistical support, a significant body of geophysical data can be gathered on short notice at erupting volcanoes in remote parts of the world.
Probability that two diffusing molecules will collide

A formula is derived for the probabilityP(r 1) that two molecules, originally at a distancer 1 from each other and moving in an infinite scattering and absorbing medium, will eventually collide with each other.
Abilities of some antioxidants to stabilize soybean oil in industrial use conditions

Antioxidants, chelators, and alcohols were screened at 0.01 and 1.28% by weight for their ability to delay viscosity increase in soybean oil in the presence of metallic colloidal copper and iron at 105°C with air flowing through the sample. Most substances did not significantly enhance the effect of the natural tocopherols in the soybean oil at 0.01%. A few substances were mildly prooxidant, and a few delayed the increase in viscosity significantly. TBHQ at 0.01% was the best antioxidant of those tested. At 1.28% ascorbyl palmitate, BHT, hydroquinone, and TBHQ increased the stability significantly. Again, TBHQ was the most effective. As measured by viscosity increase to 150 CP, TBHQ increased stability about five times over that of soybean oil controls.
Platelet monoamine oxidase activity and deficit syndrome schizophrenia

Measures of affective flattening that combine self-reported emotional experience with observed affect may identify deficit syndrome patients better than ratings based on observed affect alone. In this study, we examined 23 clinically stable but chronically ill schizophrenic patients, 15 of whom were found to have a deficit syndrome. After exclusion of patients with self-reported depressed mood from the deficit syndrome group, the remaining patients with a deficit syndrome not accompanied by self-reported depressed mood showed a strikingly homogeneous distribution of platelet monoamine oxidase activity. Results suggest that inclusion of self-reported emotional experience in clinical definitions of the deficit syndrome will increase the specificity of diagnosis.
Selective Adsorption of DMSO from an Aqueous Solution at the Surface of Self-Assembled Monolayers

The dynamics of wetting a hydrocarbon self-assembled monolayer by water/DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) mixtures and the resulting structure are studied by molecular dynamics computer simulations. A mixture of the two liquids in contact with a methyl terminated C18H37 self-assembled monolayer shows preferential wetting of the surface by the DMSO molecules over a wide range of concentrations. The dynamics of the water desorption and DMSO adsorption starting from a nonequilibrium state are followed. The process is shown to involve a continuous replacement of approximately four water molecules for every single DMSO molecule. In the final equilibrium state, the DMSO methyl groups are oriented toward the surface while the SO bonds form hydrogen bonds with the water. This gives rise to an overlayer of water adjunct to the DMSO surface layer.
What can a British reader make of the characteristics and outcomes of hanging among children in Melbourne

In this edition of the journal Deasy et al 1 share some unique and original insights into hanging in children ( see page 411 ). These were only possible because of the use of an electronic database (VACAR), which has been backdated to include paper records from previous years in respect of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. It includes hospital outcome to the level of detail of the paediatric cerebral performance category scale. The researchers were also able to validate their data against a national coroner information system. Comparable databases do not exist in Britain and so this analysis could not have been done here. Hanging was the fourth most common cause of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and 91% were intentional, hence occurring during waking hours. The only survivors were when the event was witnessed and bystander resuscitation was prompt. Out …
Explaining profitability: Dispelling the market share fog

Abstract The association between market share and profitability is examined in three industries: paper, plastics, and industrial equipment. Data are from Standard and Poor's Compustat and cover the period 1964–1983. Two regression models are presented, one with only market share variables and one that includes other variables reported to affect profitability. The multifactor model provides much greater explanatory power than the market share model in all industries. We conclude that the link between market share and profitability is an occasional phenomenon rather than a universal “law of the marketplace.” In fact, market share variables offer only limited explanation of variations in profitability.
Turbulent mixing in tubes with transverse injection

Evaluation de l'efficacite de melange de la turbulence, par mesure de la vitesse de diminution des fluctuations de concentration
Solving the "world-to-chip" interface problem with a microfluidic matrix.

We report an effective solution to the macroscopic/microfluidic interface issue and demonstrate how microfluidics can achieve impressive economies of scale in reducing the complexity of pipetting operations. Using an N × N microfluidic matrix with N = 20, we performed N2 = 400 distinct PCR reactions with only 2N + 1 = 41 pipetting steps, compared with the 3N2 = 1200 steps required with conventional fluid handling. Each vertex of the matrix has a 3-nL reactor, and a single 2-μL aliquot of polymerase is amortized over all 400 independent reactions, thus dramatically reducing sample overhead and minimizing reagent consumption. Beyond PCR, the matrix chip provides a general method to perform chemical and biological experiments with precious reagents in a highly automated fashion.
Retinotopic mapping in infant visual cortex using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)

Near-infrared spectroscopy is a non-invasive diffuse optical-imaging technique for estimating the metabolic demand in local (1 cm) regions of cortex. Activations in visual cortex of human adults and infants are consistent with known projections from the two hemi-fields.
Characteristics of amino acids in soil humic substances

Humic substances are vital environmental materials. However, their size, shape, molecular weight, and structure are still unclear. In order to better understand the factors regulating the dynamics of soil organic matter, the qualitative and quantitative distribution of amino acids in humic substances was determined after 6 M HCl hydrolysis. Amino acids were determined using an amino-acid analyzer coupled with chromatographic techniques. Humic Acids (HA) and Fulvic Acids (FA) contained the similar forms of nitrogen after acid hydrolysis, but in different proportions. Amino acid distribution was different between HA and FA. Compared with FA, HA contained relatively higher amounts of basic amino acids, e.g., arginine, histidine, and lysine, but relatively lower amounts of acidic amino acids, e.g., aspartic and glutamic acids. Our data suggest that the percentage of basic amino acid in HA may increase with an increasing degree of humification. Changes in amino acid composition may also occur when soils are su...
On the frequency distribution of partial quotients of U-numbers

In Mahler's classification of complex numbers [10] (see [4]), a transcendental number ξ is called a U-number if there exists a fixed integer N ≥ 1 so that for all ω > 0, there exists a polynomial so thatwhere the height h(f) = max {|α0|, |α1|, …, |αN|}. The number ξ is called a Um-number if the above holds for N = m but for no smaller value of N (examples and further details may be found in [9,1 and 2]). Thus the set of U1-numbers is precisely the set of Liouville numbers. In this paper we investigate the statistical behavior of the partial quotients of real U-numbers, in particular, U2-numbers. In addition, we demonstrate the existence of a U2-number with the property that if it is translated by any nonnegative integer and then squared, the result is a Liouville number. Related results involving badly approximate U2-numbers are also discussed.
Nutrition in acute respiratory failure.

Nutrition is receiving increasing attention in the management of critically ill in the intensive care unit patients. Patients with acute respiratory failure, secondary to primary lung disease, have nutritional needs that may vary from those of other ICU patients. Proper nutritional support of acute respiratory failure patients requires knowledge of nutrition’s effect upon the respiratory system as well as basic fundamentals of nutritional management.
Chemically activated 3-methyl-l-butene and 2-methyl-l-butene from photolysis of diazomethane–isobutene–neopentane–oxygen mixtures†

An experimental study of the decomposition kinetics of chemically activated 2-methyl-l-butene and 3-methyl-l-butene produced from photolysis of diazomethane-isobutene-neopentane-oxygen mixtures is reported. The experimental rate constants for 3-methyl-l-butene decomposition were 1.74 ± 0.44 × 108 sec−1 and 1.01 ± 0.25 × 108 sec−1 at 3660 and 4358 A, respectively. 2-Methyl-l-butene experimental decomposition rate constants were found to be 5.94 ± 0.59 × 107 sec−1 at 3660 A and 3.42 ± 0.34 × 107 sec−1 at 4358 A. Activated complex structures giving Arrhenius A-factors calculated from absolute rate theory of 1016.6 ± 0.5 sec−1 for 3-methyl-l-butene and 1016.2 ± 0.4 sec−1 for 2-methyl-l-butene, both calculated at 1000°K, were required to fit RRKM theory calculated rate constants to the experimental rate constants at reasonable E0 and E* values. Corrected calculations (adjusted E0 values) on previous results for 2-pentene decomposition gave an Arrhenius A-factor of 1016.45 ± 0.35 sec−1 at 1000°K. The predicted A-factors for these three alkene decompositions giving resonance-stabilized methylully radicals are in good internal agreement. The fact that these A-factors are only slightly less than those for related alkane decompositions indicates that methylallylic resonance in the decomposition products leads to only a small amount of tightening in the corresponding activated complexes. This tightening is a significantly smaller factor than the large reduction in the critical energy due to resonance stabilization.
The mutagenicity of 5-azacytidine and other inhibitors of replicative DNA synthesis in the L5178Y mouse lymphoma cell.

Abstract The mutagenic potential of the cytidine analog, 5-azacytidine (Aza Cyd), was tested at the thymidine kinase (TK) gene locus of L5178Y mouse lymphoma cells. 3-h exposure to as little as 20 ng/ml Aza Cyd yielded a substantial increase in TK-deficient L5178Y cells as measured by drug-induced resistance to trifluorothymidine (TFT res ) 48 h later. This mutagenic effect was diminished up to 75% when Aza Cyd was tested in the presence of either enzymatically active or heat-denatured 900 × g supernatant prepared from rat liver homogenate. The mutagenicity of Aza Cyd was also decreased in the presence of 1–5 × 10 −3 M thymidine and eliminated in the presence of > 1 × 10 −5 M cytidine. Two L5178Y TK-deficient cell lines had no selective survival advantage compared to TK-competent L5178Y cell stock when plated in soft-agar medium that contained Aza Cyd. Four other specific inhibitors of scheduled DNA synthesis in mammalian cells, deoxyadenosine, aphicolin, 1-β- D -arabinofuranosylcytosine, and hydroxyurea were also L5178Y/TK mutagens. These data along with other published results suggest that chemicals known to disrupt nucleotide biosynthesis, alter deoxyribonucleotide pools, or directly inhibit DNA polymerase can cause stable, heritable increases in TFT resistance through mechanisms dependent upon altered replicative DNA synthesis, yet not necessarily dependent upon DNA incorporation or the binding of these mutagenic agents to nuclear DNA.
Employed adults with asthma who have frequent workplace exposures

AbstractObjective: The recent increase in asthma prevalence is thought to be partially due to environmental changes such as changes in air pollution and occupational exposures. Nationally representative information on workplace exposures among US adults with asthma is limited. Methods: We examined 2010 National Health Interview Survey data to determine the proportion of employed adults with asthma who had frequent workplace exposures. Results: Among adults with current asthma, 19.6% frequently worked outdoors, 17.5% were frequently exposed to workplace secondhand smoke and 28.1% were frequently exposed to workplace vapors, gas, dust or fumes. Adults ever told by a health professional that asthma is probably work-related, when compared to adults who were not, had increased odds of frequent work outdoors [prevalence odds ratio (POR) = 2.76], frequent workplace exposure to secondhand smoke (POR = 3.08) and frequent workplace exposure to vapors, gas, dust or fumes (POR = 3.56). Conclusions: To our knowledge, ...
Performance standards and edge detection witk computerized quantitative coronary arteriography

Quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) has become an important tool for evaluating coronary angiograms. Many methodologic factors, such as the choice of frame to analyze, the selection of the “normal,” segment and the method of edge detection used may affect the results of QCA. The sequential steps in performing QCA, including a comparison of visual and automated edgedetection methodologies, were evaluated using 12 precision-drilled phantoms and 20 patient films. Normal diameter, minimal lumen diameter, and diameter stenosis were measured. In the phantom studies, the measurements from both visual and automated systems correlated well with the true measurements of the phantoms and between systems (all r values >0.92). To study the difference between methodologies on QCA results as influenced by the choice of frame and normal segment analyzed, the patient films were analyzed independently in 3 separate rounds of interpretation. In round 1, each system's operator individually chose frames and normal segments for analysis. In round 2, both systems analyzed the same preselected frames, but independently chose normal segments. In round 3, both systems analyzed the same preselected normal segments and frames. The intersystem correlations between visual and automatic systems for rounds 1, 2, and 3 were: normal diameter, r = 0.25, r = 0.37, and r = 0.75, respectively; minimal lumen diameter, r = 0.79, r = 0.86, and r =0.85, respectively; and diameter stenosis, r = 0.65, r =0.73, and r = 0.87, respectively. The manual edge-detection and automated edge-detection systems used in this study are reasonably accurate and consistent on phantom studies. In patient studies, the nonautomated processes (choice of frame and normal segment for analysis) produced significant differences in the QCA results, thus illustrating that operator-dependent factors other than edge detection are very important in QCA.