cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic detection of species concentration and distribution in pre-combustion gases by laser spectroscopy of infrared absorption

This paper describes the development of spectrum computation and analysis for a single model and untunable laser spectroscopy to detect the species concentration and space distribution in pre-combustion gases. Absorption spectroscopy using infrared laser diode provides a dynamic, non-instructive, and in situ way to determine the concentration and distribution of the mixture of fuel gas and O 2 in the pre-combustion gas stream. For species, wavelength suitable for absorption spectroscopy is determined using the spectra distributions of the species provided in HITRAN database. Inverse method and Abel algorithm are employed separately to retrieve the concentration of species and calculate the distribution of the measured gas. The results of the paper provide the foundation to develop a dynamic diagnostic instrument to monitor the state of gaseous species in hostile environments such as various industrial combustion systems.
New approach for automated inspection and feedback control systems

A new approach for on-line/post-process inspection/feedback control systems using piecewise linear approximation in assuring dimensional accuracy of geometrical parts has been developed. Current automated inspection and measurement systems have not been very successful in on-line/post-process inspection/feedback control because of the problems of data volume, processing time and measurement accuracy. In contrast to previous work, the system described in this paper uses a partial data elimination operator in which the vertices of two-dimensional shapes of industrial parts are quickly located and identified in a general manner. The system organizes the dimensional information of tested parts obtained from the presented operator to form a template code. A close analysis of the template code is conducted by a split/merge matching process that uses a previously formed reference code in comparison with the extracted code. Therefore, the feedback compensating signals are generated automatically to achieve 100% g...
RESULTS FROM MINNESOTA/WISCONSIN AUTOMATIC OUT-OF-SERVICE VERIFICATION OPERATIONAL TEST

A project was designed to enhance the ability of inspectors at fixed safety and weight stations (scales) to identify "out-of-service" (OOS) commercial vehicles and drivers by using advanced video-based license plate scanners linked to database software on a personal computer, the MOOSE system. In Wisconsin the results of safety inspections at the scales are stored in real time on a central computer database. This includes commercial vehicles and drivers placed OOS because of major safety violations. The primary goals were to increase the effectiveness of OOS enforcement efforts, establish a bistate enforcement program, and identify future applications. The technology was tested on a corridor involving three scales in Wisconsin and one in Minnesota on westbound I-90/I-94. The MOOSE system did identify a large number of OOS vehicles and drivers, but upon reinspection, almost no current OOS violations were found. The MOOSE system was successfully implemented at the Minnesota scale, but, as in Wisconsin, very...
Enteroliths in Horses—a retrospective study of 30 cases

SUMMARY In a retrospective study of selected cases, abdominal colic in 30 horses was attributed to enterolith obstructions of the large intestine. Obstructions caused by “true” enteroliths were confined to horses more than four years old. Prominent clinical features were recurrent mild abdominal pain, inappetance, gaseous distension and minimal intestinal motility. The various aspects of the clinical syndrome, including diagnostic problems and clinical management, are discussed. Most obstructing enteroliths were found near the beginning of the small colon and most horses contained only a single major concretion. Enteroliths were formed by mineral deposition in concentric layers about a central nidus of ingested material and were spherical or tetrahedral in shape. Intestinal concretions were found to consist primarily of ammonium magnesium phosphate. RESUME Dans une etude retrospective de cas selectionnes, les coliques abdominales de trente chevaux ont ete attribuees a l'existence d'obstructions par enterolithes. Les obstructions causees par des enterolithes proprement dits, ont ete trouvees chez des chevaux âges de plus de quatre ans. Les signes cliniques principaux ont ete une douleur abdominale d'intensite moyenne et recidivante, de l'inappetence, une distension gazeuse et une motilite intestinale diminuee. Les aspects varies du syndrome clinique sont discutes, y compris les problemes diagnostiques et cliniques. Les enterolithes les plus genants ont ete trouves a l'entree du petit colon et la plupart des chevaux n'avaient qu'une seule concretion. Ces enterolithes etaient constitues par des depots mineraux, en couches concentriques autour d'un noyau central d'ingesta. Leur forme etait tantot spherique, tantot tetraedrique. Ces concretions etaient composees essentiellement de phosphates ammoniaco-magnesiens. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG In einer retrospektiven Untersuchung ausgewahlter Falle wurde das Auftreten einer abdominalen Kolik bei 30 Pferden enterolithischen Obstruktionen des Dickdarmes zugeschrieben. Obstruktionen verursacht durch “echte” Enterolithen konnten nur bei mehr als 4-jahrigen Pferden beobachtet werden. Hervorstehende klinische Eigenschaften bestanden in milden Abdominalschmerzen, Inappetenz, Blahung und minimaler Darmmotilitat. Die verschiedenen Aspekte des klinischen Syndroms, einschliesslich diagnostischer Probleme und Pflege werden diskutiert. Die meisten der Verschlusse durch Enterolithen wurden nahe beim Uebergang ins kleine Kolon gefunden und bei den meisten Pferden konnte nur ein grosserer Stein festgestellt werden. Die Enterolithen wurden gebildet durch Mineralablagerung in konzentrischen Schichten um einen zentralen Kern von Ingesta. Sie wiesen eine spharische oder tetrahedrische Form auf. Vor allem bestanden diese Konkremente aus Ammonium-Magnesium-Phosphat.
Specific internalization of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 by cultured intestinal epithelial cells.

A rapid and sensitive method for evaluating the specific internalization of [3H]1,25-(OH)2-D3 by intact, cultured intestinal epithelial (IEC) cells was developed. The uptake of hormone was determined by incubation of suspensions of IEC cells in medium containing [3H]1,25-(OH)2-D3 and 1% fetal bovine serum. Saturation of the high affinity intracellular receptor with 1,25-(OH)2-D3 was reflected in an analysis of the saturable uptake of [3H]1,25-(OH)2-D3 the apparent dissociation constant for labelled hormone was 0.64 nM which is in the range of that reported for hormone binding to receptor extracted from known target tissues. The uptake of [3H]1,25-(OH)2-D3 was dependent on both the cellular content of receptor and the availability of unbound hormone in the extracellular medium. The latter phenomenon was demonstrated in competitive internalization studies with 25-OH-D33 and 24,25-(OH)2-D3. At extracellular concentrations of 25-OH-D3 and 24,25-(OH)2-D3 ranging from 10−8 to 10−7M there was competitive inhibition of [3H]1,25-(OH)2-D3 uptake by IEC cells. However, when cells were exposed to a higher concentration (10−6M) of these metabolites, label uptake paradoxically increased owing to probable saturation of the sterol binding sites on the vitamin D binding protein present in the serum-supplemented incubation medium.
Pushing the limits of high-resolution retinal imaging

Advances in adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy have made it possible to image the living retina with better resolution than ever before, making it possible to see the smallest retinal cells including cones at the foveal center and individual rods. In addition, we have demonstrated the feasibility of safe in vivo two-photon fluorescence imaging, which allows us to explore molecules in the retina that were previously inaccessible in the living eye.
Melatonin induced increase in gamma-interferon production by murine splenocytes

Previously, we demonstrated that production of gamma-interferon (gamma-IFN) by the mouse splenocytes isolated at night was higher than from those isolated in the morning. In this paper we show that melatonin increased gamma-IFN production by murine splenocytes. Moreover, this stimulating effect was significantly higher (10 times) in the cells isolated at night than in those isolated in the morning (2 times).
Organic Solar Cells: A Review of Materials, Limitations, and Possibilities for Improvement

Significant attention has been given during the last few years to overcome technological and material barriers in order to develop organic photovoltaic devices (OPVs) with comparable cost efficiency similar to the inorganic photovoltaics (PVs) and to make them commercially viable. To take advantage of the low cost for such devices, major improvements are necessary which include: an efficiency of around 10%, high stability from degradation under real-world conditions, novel optically active materials, and development of novel fabrication approaches. In order to meet such stringent requirements, the research and development in OPVs need to improve upon the short diffusion length of excitons, which is one of the factors that are responsible for their low power conversion efficiency. This review discusses some of the most significant technological developments that were presented in the literature and helped improve photovoltaic performance, such as tandem architectures, plasmonics, and use of graphitic nanos...
Saving Seeds, Saving Culture: A Case Study of a Heritage Seed Bank

This article examines a heritage seed saving organization, the Seed Savers Exchange (SSE), a nonprofit seed bank in northeastern Iowa. To begin, I focus on how SSE conceives of seeds and nature more broadly. From here, the analysis moves to understand how these “ideas” of nature shape the materiality that is ultimately conserved. Next, the value statements of conservation are analyzed. All conservation policies and practices rest upon normative assumptions about what type of nature ought to be conserved. The final section sets out to detail what some of those value statements are as they relate to SSE, and how they are used to instill within people similar commitments to conservation overall and seed saving in particular. When taken together, these three components—(1) conceptions of nature, (2) the materiality being conserved, and (3) the values embedded in all conservation practices—signify what I call the “trialectic of conservation.”
810-1 Enhanced Inflammatory Acute Phase Response After Percutaneous Coronary Angioplasty in Patients with Unstable Angina

Elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a sensitive marker of inflammation, are independent predictors of short-term prognosis in patients (pts) with unstable angina (UA). The causes of the acute phase response in UA, however, are still unknown. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is an useful model for the assessment of the effects of plaque disruption and myocardial ischemia on the acute phase response. Serum levels of CRP were measured in 21 pts with chronic stable angina (SA) (G 1) and in 22 pts with UA refractory to maximal medical treatment (G2), undergoing single-vessel PTCA. Venous blood samples were taken immediately before PTCA and 6, 24, 48, 72 hours after the end of the procedure. CRP values are expressed as median and range. Results Before PTCA, CRP was elevated (g 3 mg/l) in 2/21 G1 pts (10%) and in 16/22 G2 pts (73%) (p l 0.001): it was 2.4 (2–4.4) mg/l in Gl and 8 (2.4–29) mg/l in G2 (p l 0.001). After PTCA, CRP increased to a peak value of 2.6 (2–16.4) mg/l 38 ± 13 hrs after the procedure in Gl, and to a peak value of 19.9 (2.8–49.4) mg/l 32 ± 14 hrs after the procedure in G2 (p l 0.001. G1 vs G2). A significant increase in CRP after PTCA, defined as an increase g 50% the basal values, was observed in 8/21 Gl pts and in 16/22 G2 pts (p l 0.05). The percentage increase of CRP after PTCA was higher in G2 than in Gl (180 ± 239%, range 0–925% vs 118 ± 176%, range -13–489%, p l 0.05). No difference in coronary stenosis severity before PTCA (84 ± 9% vs 89 ± 8%), residual stenosis (30 ± 7% vs 29 ± 10%), number of ballon inflations (6 ± 3.4 vs 5.3 ± 3.2), total inflation time (365 ± 202 vs 413 ± 197 sec) and mean inflation pressure (5 ± 0.9 vs 5 ± 1 atm) was found between Gl and G2 pts. Conclusion Our study shows that the plaque disruption and the brief periods of myocardial ischemia caused by PTCA elicit a variable individual inflammatory acute phase response, that is greater in UA compared to SA pts. These data suggest a higher inflammatory responsiveness in patients with UA, that may playa pathogenetic role in acute coronary syndromes, and help explaining the higher rate of acute complications typically observed in patients with unstable angina undergoing PTCA.
Deferasirox for transfusion-related iron overload: a clinical review.

Abstract Background : Iron is an essential element involved in energy production, mitochondrial respiration, and DNA synthesis in the body. Excess iron forms insoluble complexes that are deposited in, and cause damage to, internal organs. Diseases such as β-thalassemia and myelodysplastic syndrome that require frequent blood transfusions can result in excess iron in the body. The traditional therapy for iron overload is overnight infusion of deferoxamine multiple nights per week. Deferasirox is a new once-daily oral agent for iron overload that was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in November 2005. Objective : The objective of this article was to review available data on deferasirox in the treatment of iron overload, including its mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and tolerability. Methods : MEDLINE, Iowa Drug Information Service, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts were searched for English-language articles published before February 2007. Terms used in the search included deferasirox , Exjade , ICL 670 , β-thalassemia , and iron overload . Human clinical trials were included in the review; meeting abstracts were excluded from the review of clinical studies. Results : The literature search identified 5 Phase I/II studies and 1 Phase III study of deferasirox in pediatric and adult populations. In the Phase I/II trials, which focused primarily on pharmacokinetics and the safety profile, deferasirox was relatively well tolerated. Adverse events were primarily gastrointestinal disruptions and skin rash (8%), which usually resolved with continued therapy. The Phase III study was a multinational, randomized, open-label noninferiority comparison of the effect of deferasirox 5 to 30 mg/kg PO once daily and deferoxamine 20 to 60 mg/kg SC per day, 5 days per week, on reducing liver iron concentrations over 1 year in 586 patients with β-thalassemia and transfusion-related iron overload. The 2 agents had similar efficacy, although deferasirox was associated with a higher incidence of adverse effects. Conclusions : Deferasirox is the first oral agent for the treatment of iron overload in the United States. It appears to be effective and well tolerated. However, its long-term efficacy and safety remain to be established.
In-Situ Calibration Technique for Laser-Induced Fluorescence Measurements of Nitric Oxide in High-Pressure, Direct-Injection, Swirling Spray Flames

We report spatially resolved laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) measurements of nitric oxide (NO) in a preheated, two-atmosphere, lean direct-injection (LDI) spray flame. The spray is produced by a hol-low-cone, pressure-atomized nozzle supplied with liquid heptane. NO is excited via the Q2(26.5) transition of the γ(0,0) band. Detection is performed in a 2-nm region centered on the γ (0,1) band. A complete scheme is developed by which quantitative NO concentrations in high-pressure LDI spray flames can be measured by applying linear LIF. Standard excitation and detection scans are performed to assess possible interferences and to verify a non-resonant wavelength for subtracting the influence of oxygen interferences and Mie scattering in the NO detection window. NO is doped into the reactants and convected through the flame with no apparent destruction, thus allowing an NO fluorescence calibration to be taken inside the flame environment. The in-situ calibration scheme is validated by comparisons to a refere...
1217 NEONATAL PROGERIA IN SIBLINGS

Progeria (Hutchinson-Gilford Syndrome) is classified among the very rare childhood diseases (1:8,000,000 births according to De-Busk's estimation). After 60 cases had been documented in medical literature by DeBusk in 1972, 5 more cases have been reported. There are only 4 reports in siblings up to this date, only 2 reports (4 cases) that clinical pictures appeared at birth and only 1 of these reports presented as a neonatal progeria in siblings without consanguinity in the family. The rarity of the disease prompted us to report our patient - a 1500 gm white female infant born at 35 wks. gestation with the phenotype typical of progeria patients described in literature along with the radiographic evidence of clavicles resorption at birth. The 1st pregnancy 8 yrs. ago also terminated at 35 wks., 1690 gm male with the same features as our patient, with evidence of clavicles and humeri changes in x-ray at l mo. Our patient developed natal tooth at the lower incisor area on the 5th day (also reported in 4 cases with typical phenotype at birth). She died at 7 days of age from heart failure and sepsis. (Sibling died at 6 wks. of age from congestive heart failure). There are 2 normal children. No consanguinity in the family. Our patient had the lowest birth weight reported. Typical phenotype and x-ray changes at birth, early dentition and early death may represent a new “neonatal progeroid syndrome” or just represent the most severe form of progeria.
Changes in Non-fibrous Material Content of Cotton during Yarn Processing

Two Fibermax varieties of cotton grown in a single season and common to three domestic areas were blended into lots, evaluated for physical properties, and subsequently spun on ring, open-end, and Vortex systems. Samplings of carding sliver, finish drawing, and yarns selected at different processing stages were tested for fiber noncellulosic content. Variations in fiber micronaire, which were highly related to growing location, influenced initial concentrations of total alcohol surface nonfibrous and wax extractables. In processing, no changes were seen in the fiber plant sugar or surface wax content. Alcohol extractables decreased in the opening and carding and yarn spinning stages Concentrations of the residual light metals potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium were reduced on the fiber primarily in the opening and carding stage of yarn production The magnitude of reduction in alcohol surface extractables and light metal content during processing was found to be highly related to fiber micronaire.
Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Children of Mothers Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

There are inconsistent findings regarding whether a mother's diagnosis of cancer affects her child's psychological health. The aim of this study was to compare maternally perceived symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children of women with and without breast cancer. Forty mothers with breast cancer (assessed within 8 weeks of diagnosis) and 39 mothers without breast cancer were administered the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL/6-18), UCLA Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Index, and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Descriptive discriminant analysis revealed that mothers with cancer perceived their children to have significantly greater symptoms of PTSD and internalizing distress than the mothers without cancer. No significant difference was found in maternal perception of externalizing symptoms in their children. Results revealed the importance of the assessment of PTSD in children whose mothers have cancer and the discussion includes implications for future research and clinical interventions.
Factors affecting entry and intensity in informal rental land markets in Southern Ethiopian highlands

Abstract Informal land transactions, particularly rental land markets, are emerging in rural Ethiopia in response to the inadequacies of the administratively based land distribution system to meet the growing demand for land and correct imbalances in factor proportions at the farm level. These informal land markets provide a vehicle to equalise factor proportions at the farm level and to improve productivity and hence households’ welfare. Among the farmers who lease out land, those who live in the highland-areas, where land is scarce and unequal, are more likely to engage in these markets. Increases in the size of land holdings relative to labour and livestock ownership, the number of non-working household members and pressure for subsistence increase the likelihood of leasing out land. On the other hand, increases in the number of working adults, improved nutritional status and greater wealth affect negatively the supply of land into these markets. The potential exists for these markets to improve factor equalisation, reduce inequality in land holdings, and shift the income position of participating households. However, success depends on whether other factor markets are functioning to thwart forced disposal of land to meet subsistence. Public policy has pivotal role in fostering the growth of these markets and their land transfer and factor equalisation functions by ensuring their legally enforceable status, and removing legal restrictions that constrain choices of contracts and trading over greater distances. In addition, both long and short-term policy measures are needed to reduce the extent to which poor farmers engage in distress transactions.
Flexible Endoscopic Zenker's Diverticulotomy Using Needle Knife

Abstract Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) is the posterior pulsion diverticulum below the esophageal introitus through or above the cricopharyngeal muscle, and it is associated with a prominent cricopharyngeal bar. ZD can cause dysphagia, regurgitation of undigested food, cough, and aspiration of food particles. During endoscopy, ZD often creates difficulty in esophageal intubation. Flexible endoscopic treatment for ZD focuses on releasing the cricopharyngeal spasm by performing diverticulotomy on the septum. The aim of any endoscopic intervention is to reduce the septum, to relieve the cricopharyngeal spasm, and to increase the Zenker's esophageal diameter. The video of this article describes preprocedural evaluation, endoscopic techniques in diverticulotomy using needle knife, postprocedural care, and complications. This article is part of an expert video encyclopedia.
A Look into the Ductoscope: Its Role in Pathologic Nipple Discharge

Mammary ductoscopy allows direct visualization of the ductal system and a method for directed excision and pathologic diagnosis. We reviewed our experience with mammary ductoscopy in the evaluation of pathologic nipple discharge. We reviewed all patients who underwent ductoscopy for pathologic nipple discharge at our institution from 2006–2010. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon. Data included patient and imaging characteristics, indications, operative findings, and pathologic outcomes. Descriptive statistics were used for data summary. During the study period, 121 patients underwent ductoscopy and directed duct excision for pathologic nipple discharge, including 66 (55%) with bloody discharge. Breast imaging [mammography, ultrasound, and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] revealed BIRADS category I/II/III findings in 112 (93%), BIRADS category IV findings in 6 (5%), and was unknown in 3 (2%) patients. Final pathology revealed papillomas in 64 (53%) patients, duct ectasia and associated benign findings in 48 (40%) patients, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in 7 (6%) patients, and atypical ductal hyperplasia in 2 (1%) patients. None of the patients with DCIS underwent preductoscopy MRI, but all had BIRADS category I/II/III breast imaging. The extent of DCIS identified by ductoscopy and subsequent surgical excision ranged from <1 cm to 10 cm (median 3 cm). The majority of patients with pathologic nipple discharge have benign nonproliferative findings or benign papillomas. Although atypia and malignancy were diagnosed in only 7% of patients who underwent ductoscopy for pathologic nipple discharge, there were no routine imaging findings indicative of these diagnoses preoperatively.
l-Enantiomers of Transition State Analogue Inhibitors Bound to Human Purine Nucleoside Phosphorylase

Human purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) was crystallized with transition-state analogue inhibitors Immucillin-H and DADMe-Immucillin-H synthesized with ribosyl mimics of l-stereochemistry. The inhibitors demonstrate that major driving forces for tight binding of these analogues are the leaving group interaction and the cationic mimicry of the transition state, even though large geometric changes occur with d-Immucillins and l-Immucillins bound to human PNP.
Implementation of a mechanical chest compression device as standard equipment in a large metropolitan ambulance service.

Abstract Background We will describe the implementation of the LUCAS™1 chest compression device as standard equipment in the treatment of cardiac arrest across a large ambulance service and provide descriptive data on device-treated arrests and provider experience during the initial 2 years of use. Methods Provider training and deployment of 38 devices occurred in our 70-vehicle, 400-provider ambulance service within 3 months. A retrospective case series of device-eligible out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring between May 2008 and June 2010 was analyzed. Clinical data were extracted from an electronic prehospital patient care record and information on provider experience with the device was collected via online survey. Results LUCAS™1 was used in 79% of resuscitation attempts (498 of 631). Primary reasons for nonuse were resuscitation of limited duration and extreme body size. Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was documented in 35% and 41% of device- and non-device-treated arrests, respectively (p = 0.31), but among arrests where time from arrival at patient to discontinuation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation was >5 min, the rates were 26% and 24%, respectively (p = 0.78). Conclusions A large ambulance service in the United States initiated standard use of a mechanical compression device within 3 months. In an applied setting, the LUCAS™1 device fits most patients and was well received by prehospital providers. Resuscitation of limited duration due to early death or early ROSC frequently precludes device use, and this has important implications for evaluating the association between device use and ROSC in observational settings.
Phase-conjugate replay for a-axis strontium barium niobate single-crystal fibers

We describe the reconstruction of stored images in a-axis single-crystal fibers of Ce-doped strontium barium niobate. We introduce a new architecture for replay with a phase-conjugated reference wave and describe the effect of noise arising from undesired scatter on the performance of the system.
Block in Insulin Release from Column-Perifused Pancreatic β-Cells Induced by Islet Cell Surface Antibodies and Complement

Dispersed rat pancreatic islet cells were mixed into a short column of Bio-Gel P-2 polyacrylamide beads and perifused with an antiserum containing islet cell surface antibodies. The release of radioactive chromium from prelabeled cells, as a measure of cell membrane permeability, was not affected by cell surface antibodies alone, but increased dramatically in the presence of complement. While there was an eightfold increase in glucose-stimulated insulin release from beta-cells exposed to control serum and complement, insulin release was completely blocked from beta-cells exposed to islet-cell-specific antibodies and complement. These findings suggest that islet cell surface antibodies can mediate complement-dependent cytotoxicity.
Potentiation of 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced contraction in rat aorta by chlorpheniramine, citalopram and fluoxetine

Abstract This study examined the effects of chlorpheniramine, citalopram and fluoxetine on 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-induced contraction and 5-HT uptake in rat thoracic aortic rings in vitro. Chlorpheniramine and citalopram markedly potentiated 5-HT-induced contraction. Potentiation by fluoxetine was less pronounced. Chlorpheniramine (0.01–1 μM) and citalopram (0.1–1 μM) induced concentration-dependent parallel shifts to the left of the 5-HT concentration-response curves. The potentiation by chlorpheniramine was selective as chlorpheniramine (1 μM) did not potentiate phenylephrine-induced contraction. The potentiation did not depend upon the presence of endothelium, and was not related to H1 receptor antagonism as diphenhydramine and pyrilamine (1 μM) did not similarly enhance 5-HT-induced contractions. Whereas cocaine (1–10 μM) similarly potentiated 5-HT-induced contraction, imipramine (1–10 μM) inhibited, rather than enhanced, contraction elicited by 5-HT. In the presence of 10 μM cocaine, maximally effective concentrations of chlorpheniramine (1 μM) or citalopram (100 nM) did not induce any additional potentiation of 5-HT-induced contraction. Cooling (4°C) markedly inhibited uptake of [3H]5-HT in rings with and without endothelium. Although less marked, imipramine (10 μM), cocaine (1 μM), chlorpheniramine (1 μM) and citalopram (100 nM) inhibited [3H]5-HT uptake in endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded rings. Fluoxetine also inhibited [3H]5-HT uptake, but the inhibition was only statistically significant in endothelium-intact rings. The monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, pargyline (10–100 μM), did not significantly affect 5-HT-induced contraction. The results demonstrate that chlorpheniramine, citalopram and to a lesser extent, fluoxetine potentiate 5-HT-induced contraction in rat aorta in which neuronal 5-HT uptake is negligible. The data are consistent with inhibition of non-neuronal 5-HT uptake as at least one mechanism responsible for potentiation of 5-HT-induced contraction in rat aorta by chlorpheniramine, citalopram and fluoxetine.
Intramolecular vibrational dynamics of diacetylene and diacetylene-d1 via eigenstate-resolved overtone spectroscopy

Abstract The high resolution spectra of several CH overtone bands in diacetylene and diacetylene-d1 were measured using optothermally detected excitation of a collimated molecular beam. The first overtone of the acetylenic CH stretches in these two molecules were recorded in a single resonance scheme using a 1.5 μm color center laser. The second overtone spectra were taken using sequential infrared/infrared double resonance with a 3.0 and a 1.5 μm color center lasers. The perturbations in the spectra have been analyzed to obtain information about the nature and timescales of the underlying intramolecular vibrational redistribution processes. The uncovered dynamical features appear to be dominated by anharmonic couplings and exhibit regular, not chaotic, behavior. The first and second overtone spectra of diacetylene-d1 are consistent with a coupling model which involves coupling through a doorway state and then subsequent coupling to the bath. In diacetylene, a combination band was also recorded which, in the local mode picture, is equivalent to putting two quanta in one acetylenic CH stretch and one quanta at the other end of the molecule. Comparison of this spectrum with the spectrum obtained by putting three quanta in the same CH stretch, is consistent with earlier observations that delocalized combination bands are less perturbed than nearly isoenergetic pure overtone states.
Generation by Inverting a Semantic Parser that Uses Statistical Machine Translation

This paper explores the use of statistical machine translation (SMT) methods for tactical natural language generation. We present results on using phrase-based SMT for learning to map meaning representations to natural language. Improved results are obtained by inverting a semantic parser that uses SMT methods to map sentences into meaning representations. Finally, we show that hybridizing these two approaches results in still more accurate generation systems. Automatic and human evaluation of generated sentences are presented across two domains and four languages.
Studies of heavy metal sorption by Trenton Channel (Detroit River) sediments

Sediment resuspension plays a dominant physical role in downstream transport of sediment-bound, or ‘in-place’ pollutants. During resuspension, however, numerous sorption reactions may alter contaminant phase distributions. Previous field resuspension studies on heavily contaminated sediments (Theis et al., 1988, J. Great Lakes Res. 14, 216) showed parallel trends in metal partitioning with pH and time for each of 7 metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn), when pH was < 7.5 during resuspension. To improve our ability to interpret follow-up laboratory partitioning experiments using sediments from the field sites, we conducted an evaluation of sediment sample storage as a potential factor leading to field-laboratory partitioning differences. Although metal sorption observed in the laboratory differed substantially from that observed in the field, sample storage effects, reported as holding time and changes in solid phase metal fractionation, gave minimal support for the hypothesis that sample storage caused the differences. It appears, rather, than our in vitro batch equilibrium systems incompletely replicated those attributes of a sediment-water system that are relevant to adsorption and desorption of heavy metals during a resuspension event. Accordingly, we conclude that a general improvement in the understanding of contaminant partitioning would result if future studies would assign greater importance to evaluating the effects of relevant physical phenomena on partitioning (e.g. particle interaction and shear stress), in addition to such widely studied chemical determinants as pH, time, and metal species.
Comparison of Western Immunobloting to an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for the Determination of Anti-Bordetella pertussis Antibodies

During Bordetella pertussis infection, it has been established that an increase of anti-pertussis toxin (PT) and anti-filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) antibodies occurs. Immunoblots from two manufacturers using FHA and PT antigens were compared with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that used both FHA and PT. One manufacturer used two concentrations of PT bands for the IgG immunoblot, calibrated to the World Health Organization standard for PT in international units (IU/ml), 100 IU/ml (PT-100) and 8 IU/ml (PT). The second immunoblot kit measured antibodies to a single calibrated PT band. Both kits measured IgA antibodies, and one additionally measured IgM antibodies. Two of 41 (5%) ELISA IgM positives were confirmed positive by IgM immunoblotting, suggesting poor specificity of the IgM ELISA. The agreements of the IgG and IgA immunoblots with the ELISA ranged from 72.5% to 85.3%, with only 38 to 51% of IgA positives confirmed by immunoblotting and only 61 to 68% of IgG positives confirmed by immunoblotting. The two immunoblots correlated well with each other, with 91.7% and 94.3% agreement for IgG and IgA, respectively. When the FHA band was used with the PT band as the criterion for positivity, significant differences existed in specificity compared to the ELISA (IgG, 84.1% versus 33.3%; IgA, 82.4% versus 71.0%). When the positive IgA immunoblots (evidence of natural recent infection) were compared to the positive PT-100 IgG immunoblots (evidence of recent infection or vaccination), the PT-100 blot showed a 71% sensitivity in detecting natural recent infection. B. pertussis immunoblots, alone or in combination with ELISAs, can aid in the diagnosis of B. pertussis infection.
Take This Job and … : Quitting and Other Forms of Resistance to Workplace Bullying

Adult bullying at work is an unbelievable and, at times, shattering experience, both for those targeted as well as for witnessing colleagues. This study examines the narratives of 30 workers, some of whom where targeted and all of whom saw others bullied. Their responses paint a complex picture of power in bullying situations that reframe the “power-deficient target” into agents who galvanize a variety of resources on their own or others’ behalf but also place them at considerable risk. In some cases, employees evaluate the abusive situation and quickly resign. Others protest but, if resistance fails to stop abuse, they also leave organizations. The paths of resistance, case outcomes, and dialectic nature of resistance and control are discussed.
A radial probability density function for analysis of canonical molecular orbitals

A one-dimensional probability density function, analogous to the atomic radial density for the hydrogen atom, r2Rnl(r), is defined for an arbitrary three-dimensional density. It is obtained numerically by taking the derivative of a cumulative probability distribution with respect to the cubic root of the volume enclosed by each in a series of isosurfaces. Each point in the function is associated with a unique isosurface, and the isosurface associated with the maximum of the defined function represents the most probable isosurface with respect to the putative radius. This function therefore provides an objective selection criterion for a single isosurface to represent a three-dimensional density. This technique is applied to set of canonical molecular orbitals. The selected threshold value varies from orbital to orbital, but the enclosed probability falls in the range of 20% to 55% for the reported orbitals. In all cases, the enclosed probability is much smaller than the common choices found in the literature. The concomitant smaller volume often makes possible a more localized interpretation and helps to clarify the conventional delocalized interpretation of molecular orbitals. For example, the isosurface plots selected by this method distinguish the formally bonding orbital in He2 from the true bonding orbital in H2. Examples from N2, F2, HF, H2O, C2H6, and Ni(CO)4 are also presented. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 21: 310–321, 2000
Energy-based scatter correction for 3-D PET scanners using NaI(Tl) detectors

Earlier investigations with BGO positron emission tomography (PET) scanners showed that the scatter correction technique based on multiple acquisitions with different energy windows are problematic to implement because of the poor energy resolution of BGO (22%), particularly for whole-body studies. The authors believe that these methods are likely to work better with NaI(Tl) because of the better energy resolution achievable with NaI(Tl) detectors (10%). Therefore, they investigate two different choices for the energy window, a low-energy window (LEW) on the Compton spectrum at 400-450 keV, and a high-energy window (HEW) within the photopeak (lower threshold above 511 keV). The results obtained for the authors' three-dimensional (3-D) (septa-less) whole-body scanners [axial field of view (FOV) of 12.8 cm and 25.6 cm] as well as for our 3-D brain scanner (axial FOV of 25.6 cm) show an accurate prediction of the scatter distribution for the estimation of trues method (ETM) using a HEW, leading to a significant reduction of the scatter contamination. The dual-energy window (DEW) technique using a LEW is shown to be intrinsically wrong; in particular, it fails for line source and bar phantom measurements. However, the method is able to produce good results for homogeneous activity distributions. Both methods are easy to implement, are fast, have a low noise propagation, and will be applicable to other PET scanners with good energy resolution and stability, such as hybrid NaI(Tl) PET/SPECT dual-head cameras and future PET cameras with GSO or LSO scintillators.
Impact of Intrinsic Atomic Defects on the Electronic Structure of MoS2 Monolayers

Monolayer MoS2 is a direct band gap semiconductor which has been recently investigated for low-power field effect transistors. The initial studies have shown promising performance, including a high on/off current ratio and carrier mobility with a high-κ gate dielectric. However, the performance of these devices strongly depends on the crystalline quality and defect morphology of the monolayers. In order to obtain a detailed understanding of the MoS2 electronic device properties, we examine possible defect structures and their impact on the MoS2 monolayer electronic properties, using density functional theory in combination with scanning tunneling microscopy to identify the nature of the most likely defects. Quantitative understanding based on a detailed knowledge of the atomic and electronic structures will facilitate the search of suitable defect passivation techniques. Our results show that S adatoms are the most energetically favorable type of defect and that S vacancies are energetically more favorable than Mo vacancies. This approach may be extended to other transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), thus providing useful insights to optimize TMD-based electronic devices.
Approximate lineage for probabilistic databases

In probabilistic databases, lineage is fundamental to both query processing and understanding the data. Current systems s.a. Trio or Mystiq use a complete approach in which the lineage for a tuple t is a Boolean formula which represents all derivations of t. In large databases lineage formulas can become huge: in one public database (the Gene Ontology) we often observed 10MB of lineage (provenance) data for a single tuple. In this paper we propose to use approximate lineage, which is a much smaller formula keeping track of only the most important derivations, which the system can use to process queries and provide explanations. We discuss in detail two specific kinds of approximate lineage: (1) a conservative approximation called sufficient lineage that records the most important derivations for each tuple, and (2) polynomial lineage, which is more aggressive and can provide higher compression ratios, and which is based on Fourier approximations of Boolean expressions. In this paper we define approximate lineage formally, describe algorithms to compute approximate lineage and prove formally their error bounds, and validate our approach experimentally on a real data set.
The O-ring sector and the Foolproof sector: An explanation for skill externalities

Abstract Differences in worker skill cause modest differences in wages within a country, but are associated with massive differences in productivity across countries ( Hanushek and Kimko, 2000 ). I build upon Kremer's (1993) O-ring theory of production to explain this stylized fact. I posit that there are two kinds of jobs: O-ring jobs where strategic complementarities to skill are large, and a diminishing-returns Foolproof sector, where two mediocre workers provide the same effective labor as one excellent worker. Both production functions are available to each country. In equilibrium, an econometrician would only see small returns to skill within a country. In a world where countries vary only slightly in the average skill of workers, these assumptions are sufficient to generate massive differences in cross-country income inequality while generating only small amounts of intra-country income inequality.
Evaluation of the Insecticide Chlorpyrifos for Activity Against Southern Stem Rot of Peanut

Chlorpyrifos, a soil insecticide reported to have activity in controlling southern stem rot of peanuts, was evaluated in an area heavily infested with the southern stem rot pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. over a three year period (1981-1983). Chlorpyrifos 4E at 0, 1.12 or 2.24 kg ai/ha was applied preplant incorporated broadcast followed by 0, 1.12 or 2.24 kg ai/ha chlorpyrifos 15G or 4E at pegging in a 40 cm band over the row. Combinations of chlorpyrifos and PCNB were also evaluated as a formulated granule and as concomitantly applied separate materials. Disease loci were enumerated during the season and at inverting and yields were determined for plots. Chlorpyrifos alone did not significantly decrease disease in any of the tests over the three year period at any rate or method of application tested. A PCNB + chlorpyrifos (11.2-2.24 kg ai/ha) combination granule and the two chemicals applied concomitantly were as effective as PCNB + fensulfothion (11.2-3.36 kg ai/ha) in reducing disease and increasing yield. Potential niches for the use of chlorpyrifos in reducing southern stem rot are discussed.
Effects of losartan on whole body, skeletal muscle and vascular insulin responses in obesity/insulin resistance without hypertension.

Aims: Renin-angiotensin system antagonists have been found to improve glucose metabolism in obese hypertensive and type 2 diabetic subjects. The mechanism of these effects is not well understood. We hypothesized that the angiotensin receptor antagonist losartan would improve insulin-mediated vasodilation, and thereby improve insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle of insulin-resistant subjects. Methods: We studied subjects with obesity and insulin resistance but without hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia or dysglycaemia [age 39.0 ± 9.6 yr (mean ± SD), body mass index (BMI) 33.2 ± 5.9 kg/m2, BP 115.8 ± 12.2/70.9 ± 7.2 mmHg, LDL 2.1 ± 0.5 mmol/l]. Subjects were randomized to 12 weeks' double-blind treatment with losartan 100 mg once daily (n = 9) or matching placebo (n = 8). Before and after treatment, under hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp conditions we measured whole-body insulin-stimulated glucose disposal, insulin-mediated vasodilation, and insulin-stimulated leg glucose uptake by the limb balance technique. Results: Whole-body insulin-stimulated glucose disposal was not significantly increased by losartan. Insulin-mediated vasodilation was augmented following both treatments [increase in leg vascular conductance: pretreatment 0.7 ± 0.3 l/min/mmHg (losartan, mean ± SEM) and 0.9 ± 0.3 (placebo), posttreatment 1.0 ± 0.4 (losartan) and 1.3 ± 0.6 (placebo)] but not different between treatment groups (p = 0.53). Insulin's action to augment nitric oxide (NO) production and to augment endothelium-dependent vasodilation was also not improved. Leg glucose uptake was not significantly changed by treatments, and not different between groups (p = 0.11). Conclusions: These findings argue against the hypothesis that losartan might improve skeletal muscle glucose metabolism by improving insulin-mediated vasodilation in normotensive insulin-resistant obese subjects. The metabolic benefits of angiotensin receptor blockers may require the presence of hypertension in addition to obesity-associated insulin resistance.