cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sterically-crowded pyrroles†

The syntheses in good yields of a considerable number of moderately to severely sterically-crowded 1,2,5-trisubstituted pyrroles by means of modifications of the Knorr-Paal condensation are described. Notwithstanding reports to the contrary, the classical procedure; succeeded in moderately sterically-crowded cases, e.g., R2 = R5 = Me, R1 = i-Pr, Me2CHMeCH-, Me2N-, Ph2N-, 9-carbazolo, subst. 4-morpholino, 1-piperazino, 1-piperidino, etc. A product-water azeotroping procedure succeeded in more severely sterically-crowded cases e.g., R2 = R5 = Et, R1 = i-Pr; R2 = R5 = Me, R1 = Me3CCH2-, R2 = R5 = i-Pr, R1 = PhCH2-. Highly sterically-crowded pyrroles, e.g., R2 = R5 = Me, R1 = t-Bu, adamantyl, PhCH2CMe2; R2 = R5 = Et, R1 = t-Bu; R1 = R2 = R5 = i-Pr; R2 = R5 = t-Ru, R1 = Me, Et, PhCH2-, were obtained using titanium tetrachloride as a Lewis acid catalyst and as a water scavenger. Infrared spectra of the reacting mixtures provided evidence pertinent to the mechanism of the reaction, which is discussed.
The sequence around the active-center tyrosyl of porcine carboxypeptidase B.

Iodination of porcine carboxypeptidase B causes a loss of both peptidase and esterase activity; the presence of the inhibitor β-phenylpropionate during iodination prevents the loss. A residue in the active site of the enzyme was labeled by a procedure in which one portion of the enzyme was iodinated with 125I-labeled iodine and a second portion with 131I-labeled iodine in the presence of the inhibitor β-phenylpropionate. The two preparations were mixed, digested with elastase and the iodopeptides separated. Two iodopeptides which appear to have come from the active site were isolated; both had high 125I/131I radioactivity ratios relative to the unfractionated digest. The labeled residue is tyrosyl in both iodopeptides. The same results were obtained when the inhibitor ɛ-aminocaproate was used instead of β-phenylpropionate. The yield of the two iodopeptides approached a total of about 1 mole/mole of enzyme in each of several experiments. The sequences of the two iodopeptides were found to be Thr-Ile-(monoiodo)Tyr-Pro-Ala and Ile-(monoiodo)Tyr-Pro-Ala, and both appear to represent the same tyrosyl residue in the site of porcine carboxypeptidase B.
Localization and in vitro synthesis of prostaglandins in components of rabbit preovulatory graafian follicles.

Abstract Graafian follicles obtained 9 hours after the injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) into mature rabbits were dissected into a follicular fluid component, a granulosa cell-oocyte component, and a residual wall component, (the latter containing mostly theca tissue with a small and variable amount of adhering granulosa cells). The amounts of PGE and PGF were determined for each component. The follicular fluid contained approximately 4–10 times more PGE and PGF than either the granulosa cell-oocyte component or the residual wall component. The latter two components contained approximately equal amounts of these prostaglandins. The in vitro biosynthesis of PGE and PGF was also studied and it was found that the granulosa cell-oocyte component had about 4 fold the capacity of the residual wall, and that the follicular fluid synthesized no prostaglandins. There was no significant effect of LH on either PGE or PGF synthesis in any of the components.
Fine guidance sensors aboard the Hubble Space Telescope: the scientific capabilities of these interferometers

The fine guidance sensors (FGS) aboard the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) are optical white light shearing interferometers that offer a unique capability to astronomers. The FGS's photometric dynamic range, fringe visibility, and fringe tracking ability allow the instrument to exploit the benefits of performing interferometry form a space-based platform. The FGSs routinely provide HST with 2 milli-seconds of arc pointing stability. The FGS designated as the Astronomer, FGS3, has also been used to (1) perform 2 mas relative astrometry over the central 4 arc minutes of its field of view, (2) determine the true relative orbits of close faint binary systems, (3) measure the angular diameter of a giant star, (4) search for extra-solar planets, (5) observe occultations of stars by solar system objects, as well as (6) photometrically monitor stellar flares on a low mas M dwarf. In this paper we discuss this unique instrument, its design, performance, and the areas of science for which it is the only device able to successfully observe objects of interest.
Images of American Business: Integrating Art and Economics

A newsletter, The Social Studies, featuring an article, "Images of American Business: Integrating Art and Economics," by James D. Laney and Patricia A. Moseley. The article mentions art education and the role of arts in human education and development as an essential academic subject area. Comprehensive arts education programs have been developed in recent years and the programs have been implemented in school systems across the United States through collaborative efforts. Included in the article is a discipline-based art education diagram drawn by the North Texas Institute for Educators on the Visual Arts to describe the four basic principals of DBAE. The model illustrates the complexity of the connections and relations about the various art disciplines.
Trisomy 9 syndrome: Report of a case with Crohn disease and review of the literature

We report on a 6-year-old boy with mosaic trisomy 9. The patient was born at 42 weeks of gestation to a 27-year-old G1 white woman. Birth weight was 2,820 g, length 52 cm, and Apgar scores were 4 and 6 at 1 and 5 min, respectively. The infant presented with apparently low-set ears, overfolded helices, epicanthal folds, prominent nasal bridge, high-arched palate, micrognathia, bilateral dislocated hips, left genu recurvatum, and cryptorchidism. Chromosome analysis showed an unusual karyotype: 47,XY,+inv(9qh+)/47,XY,+mar. The marker chromosome was thought to be a remnant of the inv(9qh+) chromosome. The mother's karyotype was 46,XX,inv(9qh+), while the father's was 46,XY. At age 5 months, the patient developed seizures and gastroesophageal reflux. Crohn disease was diagnosed at age 2 years, although symptoms began at age 1 year. Recurrent bouts of pneumonia have occurred since the patient's birth. Severe psychomotor retardation was also noted. Trisomy 9 syndrome was first reported in 1973. Over 30 cases have been reported since then. Of these cases reports, only 5 patients were older than 1 year. Inflammatory bowel disease has been reported in association with other chromosome abnormalities, but to our knowledge, has not been reported in trisomy 9 syndrome.
Hyperfine structure of low-lying even levels of161, 163Dy and167Er by atomic-beam laser-rf double resonance (Short note)

Radiofrequency measurements of the zero-field hyperfine intervals in low levels of167Er and161,163Dy have been made as part of a systematic study of the second half of the 4fN6s2 configuration of the neutral rare-earth atoms. Almost no precise hfs data exist for this region, and a preliminary analysis indicates systematic differences between ab initio theory and experiment.
Increasing power efficiency of multi-core network processors through data filtering

We propose and evaluate a data filtering method to reduce the power consumption of high-end processors with multiple execution cores. Although the proposed method can be applied to a wide variety of multi-processor systems including MPPs, SMPs and any type of single-chip multiprocessor, we concentrate on Network Processors. The proposed method uses an execution unit called Data Filtering Engine that processes data with low temporal locality before it is placed on the system bus. The execution cores use locality to decide which load instructions have low temporal locality and which portion of the surrounding code should be off-loaded to the data filtering engine.Our technique reduces the power consumption, because a) the low temporal data is processed on the data filtering engine before it is placed onto the high capacitance system bus, and b) the conflict misses caused by low temporal data are reduced resulting in fewer accesses to the L2 cache. Specifically, we show that our technique reduces the bus accesses in representative applications by as much as 46.8% (26.5% on average) and reduces the overall power by as much as 15.6% (8.6% on average) on a single-core processor. It also improves the performance by as much as 76.7% (29.7% on average) for a processor with 16 execution cores.
Rubbing-induced molecular reorientation on an alignment surface of an aromatic polyimide containing cyanobiphenyl side chains.

Surface lamellar decoration (SLD), surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and optical second harmonic generation (SHG) experiments have been utilized to study the molecular orientation and conformation changes at a rubbed polyimide alignment-layer surface. This aromatic polyimide containing pendent cyanobiphenyl mesogens was synthesized via a polycondensation of 2,2'-bis(3,4-dicarboxy-phenyl)hexafluoropropane dianhydride (6FDA) with bis[omega-[4-(4-cyanophenyl)phenoxy]hexyl] 4,4'-diamino-2,2'-biphenyldicarboxylate (nCBBP, n = 6), abbreviated as 6FDA--6CBBP. Uniform alignment layers, possessing high pretilt angles ranging from 39 degrees to 43 degrees, have been achieved after mechanical rubbing of the polyimide thin film surface at room temperature and subsequent annealing. This is the first time that high pretilt angles have been detected to possess a negative angle (-theta(c)) with respect to the rubbing direction (i.e., opposite to the rubbing direction), considerably different from the conventional pretilt angle (theta(c)) observed along the rubbing direction. This observation is confirmed using magnetic null and SHG methods. Combined polyethylene (PE) SLD and atomic force microscopy experiments reveal that the azimuthal orientation distribution of the long axis of the edge-on PE lamellar crystals is oriented normal to the rubbing direction, indicating that the PE chains are aligned parallel to the rubbing direction. This SLD technique probes the anisotropic surface orientation of the outermost molecules of the rubbed polyimide layer. The SERS results show that prior to rubbing the surface, both the pendent cyanobiphenyls in the side chains and backbones possess nearly planar chain conformations at the polyimide surface. Mechanical rubbing causes not only tilting of the backbone moieties, such as imide-phenylene structure, but also significant conformational rearrangements of the pendent side chains at the surfaces. The molecular mechanism of this unusual alignment is due to the fact that the pendent cyanobiphenyls forms a uniformly tilted conformation on the rubbed surface, and the polar cyano groups point down toward the layer surface deduced from SHG phase measurements. This conformational rearrangement of the side chains results in the formation of fold-like bent structures on the surface, which directly leads to the long axis of cyanobiphenyls having the -theta(c) pretilt angle with respect to the rubbing direction.
Association of sternal wound infection with parasternal muscle sutures.

Background: Sternal wound infection complicating open-heart surgery is a potentially devastating complication that has been associated with a number of risk factors. We recently consulted on three consecutive patients with this complication who had heavy nonabsorbable parasternal sutures placed in muscle tissue adjacent to the sternum. The aim of this report is to document our findings and caution that this technique to control bleeding from the parasternal intercostal muscles my increase risk of infection. Methods: The pathology, surgical findings, and microbiology of these three cases are analyzed for similarity and possible cause of infection. Results: By surgical observation and culture reports, each infection appeared to have originated at the site of nonabsorbable suture in devascularized parasternal muscle tissue. Sinus tracts could be probed to a similar site in each patient. Conclusion: Placement of sutures in the parasternal muscles where the sternal wires wrap around the bone leads to compression and necrosis of muscle tissue. We caution that this technique to control bleeding may cause a nidus of infection and increase the risk of deep sternal wound infection.(J Card Surg 2002;17:498-501)
Estimated contribution of known ataxia genes in ataxia patients undergoing DNA testing.

ABSTRACT We estimated the relative contributions of known ataxia genes (SCA1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and X25) in the patient population sent to our DNA diagnostic laboratory for diagnostic testing. Approximately 28% of these patients had an abnormal triplet repeat expansion in one of these ataxia genes (3% for SCA1, 8% for SCA2, 11% for SCA3/MJD, 2% for SCA6, 3% for SCA7, and 1.5% for X25). The lack of abnormal repeat expansions in the majority of ataxis patients tested suggests that the molecular defects associated with most ataxia cases are currently undetermined and that this population includes both familial and sporadic cases. In contrast, of the patients submitted for genetic testing for Friedrich's ataxia (FRDA), 44% (69/157) showed at least one expansion in the X25 gene, indicating that FRDA accounts for a significant proportion of the recessively inherited ataxias and appears to have a high rate of accurate clinical diagnosis. On the basis of our DNA studies, we propose a comprehensive and efficient approach...
Synthesis and Secretion of Local Immunoglobulin by the Intestinal Tract of Newborn Rabbits

The relation between acquisition of a specific microorganism in the intestinal lumen and the immunoglobulin response within the intestinal tract was evaluated in newborn rabbits. The intestinal tract was only transiently colonized with Escherichia coli 075. Specific antibody was not synthesized by intestinal tissue, nor was it detected in luminal contents. Comparable quantities of IgG and IgA were synthesized in vitro by the intestinal tract. Only IgA was detected in luminal contents. These studies demonstrate that the clearance of an intestinal microorganism is not dependent upon local antibody. They also support the concept that IgA is secreted across the intestinal mucosa more efficiently than IgG.
Comparative judgments with numerical reference points

A model of subjective magnitude comparisons is explored, which assumes that subjects compare symbolic stimulus magnitudes with respect to a reference point. The reference point may be established implicitly by the question (e.g., “Which is larger?” vs “Which is smaller?“) or be presented explicitly (e.g., “Choose the stimulus closer to X.“). The model was tested in five experiments in which subjects judged which of two comparison digits was closer to (or further from) a reference digit. Regression analyses in three experiments revealed that reaction time depended on the ratio of the distances from the comparison items to the reference point. The other two experiments provided evidence that subjects can strategically vary the processes by which they compare stimuli to a reference point. The results indicated that subjects can perform various types of “analog arithnietic” using either the linear number scale or a nonlinear scale of subjective digit magnitude.
Epulopiscium fishelsoni N. G., N. Sp., a Protist of Uncertain Taxonomic Affinities from the Gut of an Herbivorous Reef Fish

Epulopiscium fishelsoni n. g., n. sp., is described from the gut of Acanthurus nigrofuscus, an herbivorous surgeonfish (Acanthuridae: Teleostei) from the Red Sea, Israel. The symbiont is placed in the kingdom Protoctista (or Protista) but more specific taxonomic assignment is impossible at this time. The organism is of an elongate oval shape, round in cross-section, and highly mobile, with the ability to reverse direction rapidly. It lacks a mouth or other external structures, with the exception of fine surface filaments of an undetermined nature. Internally, there is a complex of folded membranes or tubules and a nucleus. No other organelles are evident. Reproduction is characterized by doubling of nuclei within the parental cell and emergence of daughter cells from a perforation in the parental cortex. Symbionts appear to exhibit circadian cycles of growth, reproductive activity, and movement within the gut. Although the organism greatly reduces local gut pH when present in large numbers, we know nothing of interactions between host and symbiont.
Omni-Egg: A smooth, spheroidal, appendage free underwater robot capable of 5 DOF motions

This paper describes the performance of a new type of highly maneuverable underwater robot developed at MIT. The robot, titled “Omni-Egg,” is smooth, spheroidal, and completely appendage free. Propulsion is provided using a novel pump-jet system that can be completely built into the streamlined shell. No fins or stabilizers are used on the vehicle, and directional stability is instead achieved using feedback control. Experimental results show how the turning performance of this smooth design is superior to a similar one that uses fins to achieve stability. Due to this unique design the robot is capable of unique motions such as forward and reverse motions, high speed turning, and sideways translations. This type of robot is designed for tasks requiring a large degree of maneuverability within tight spaces. Some examples of such tasks include the inspection of water-filled infrastructure and the exploration of cluttered environments. Such applications have a high risk of collisions or snagging on obstacles, so a smooth outer shape is desirable. The vehicle is designed to be capable of 5 DOF, and surge, sway, heave, and yaw are all demonstrated in this paper. Pitch, the 5th DOF, remains under development.
Activation of Thymocyte Deoxyribonucleic Acid Degradation by Endogenous Glucocorticoids

Abstract Immature lymphocytes in the thymus gland are killed by treatment with exogenous glucocorticoids. This steroid-mediated lymphocytolysis is preceded by numerous alterations in lymphocyte metabolism, including a DNA-degrading process in which the genome is cleaved at internucleosomal intervals. To date, this process has only been characterized by treating lymphocytes in vitro with glucocorticoids or by exogenous treatment of whole animals with adrenal steroids. To determine whether thymocyte DNA degradation could be activated by endogenous glucocorticoids, 4-wk-old chicks were treated with porcine adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This procedure elevated serum corticosterone levels approximately 80-fold within 2 h of hormone treatment Following ACTH administration, thymocyte DNA was isolated and analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. The ACTH activated a DNA-degrading process that generated internucleosomal fragments of DNA identical in size to those observed following exogenous treatment with synthetic or naturally occurring glucocorticoids. Furthermore, this response could be inhibited by the glucocorticoid antagonist RU486 (17β-hydroxy-11β, 4-dimethylaminophenyl-17α-propynl-estra-4,9,diene-3-one), indicating that adrenal steroids activate this process via the glucocorticoid receptor. These results demonstrate that lymphocyte DNA degradation does not result solely from exogenous glucocorticoid treatment; moreover, endogenous glucocorticoids can mediate this process and may thereby play an important role in thymic gland function.
Frege on Indirect Proof

Frege's account of indirect proof has been thought to be problematic. This thought seems to rest on the supposition that some notion of logical consequence – which Frege did not have – is indispensable for a satisfactory account of indirect proof. It is not so. Frege's account is no less workable than the account predominant today. Indeed, Frege's account may be best understood as a restatement of the latter, although from a higher order point of view. I argue that this ascent is motivated by Frege's conception of logic.
Is human myometrial sampling at the time of cesarean delivery safe

Abstract Objective: The mechanism for the initiation of human labor remains unknown and is under extensive investigation. Myometrium from patients in labor and not in labor is the ideal tissue to study structural, cellular, and molecular changes that occur during parturition. This study was designed to determine whether myometrial sampling at the time of cesarean delivery increases maternal morbidity. Study Design: This is a prospective cohort study including 118 study and 236 control patients. A full-thickness myometrial sample was obtained from the superior edge of a transverse uterine incision at the time of cesarean delivery. Demographics and standard surgical morbidity data were collected. Statistical methods used included univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: The study and control groups did not differ significantly with respect to age, gravidity, parity, birth weight, and Apgar scores. The estimated intraoperative blood loss was greater in the control group ( P Conclusion: On the basis of our data, human myometrial sampling at cesarean delivery does not increase overall maternal morbidity, irrespective of gestational age and the presence or absence of labor. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;183:1583-6.)
Polyaniline: Doping, structure and derivatives

Abstract Redox titration results and electronic spectral evidence show that the oxidation state of the “emeraldine” base form of polyaniline can vary depending on whether its synthesis is performed in the presence or absence of air. Chemical doping of leucoemeraldine, the completely reduced form of polyaniline, to selected oxidation states can be accomplished by a variety of oxidizing agents such as Cl 2 , (NO) + (PF 6 ) − , FeCl 3 , SnCl 4 and TCNQ.
A Bi-Level Multi-Objective Robust Design Optimization Method With Multiple Robustness Index Capabilities

A multi-objective robust optimization framework that incorporates a robustness index for each objective has been developed in a bi-level approach. The top level of the framework consists of the standard optimization problem formulation with the addition of a robustness constraint. The bottom level uses the Worst Case Sensitivity Region (WCSR) concept previously developed to solve single objective robust optimization problems. In this framework, a separate robustness index for each objective allows the designer to choose the importance of each objective. The method is demonstrated on a commonly studied two-bar truss structural optimization problem. The results of the problem demonstrate the effectiveness and usefulness of the multiple robustness index capabilities added to this framework. A multi-objective genetic algorithm, NSGA-II, is used in both levels of the framework.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Estimating the potential of controlled plug-in hybrid electric vehicle charging to reduce operational and capacity expansion costs for electric power systems with high wind penetration

Abstract Electric power systems with substantial wind capacity require additional flexibility to react to rapid changes in wind farm output and mismatches in the timing of generation and demand. Controlled variable-rate charging of plug-in electric vehicles allows demand to be rapidly modulated, providing an alternative to using fast-responding natural gas plants for balancing supply with demand and potentially reducing costs of operation and new plant construction. We investigate the cost savings from controlled charging of electric vehicles, the extent to which these benefits increase in high wind penetration scenarios, and the trade-off between establishing a controlled charging program vs. increasing the capacity of generators in the power system. We construct a mixed integer linear programming model for capacity expansion, plant dispatch, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) charging based on the NYISO system. We find that controlled charging cuts the cost of integrating PHEVs in half. The magnitude of these savings is ∼5% to 15% higher in a system with 20% wind penetration compared to a system with no wind power, and the savings are 50–60% higher in a system that requires capacity expansion.
Porous alumina templates and nanostructured CdS for thin film solar cell applications

Abstract Nanostructured CdS was grown by electrodeposition of cadmium sulfide inside a porous alumina template. Uniform pore size and spacing in the template was achieved when the starting material for the template was aluminum foil. Typical pore size was 45 nm. Nanostructured CdS was also deposited by electrodeposition on indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass and by solution growth on ITO-coated glass. Schottky diodes were formed on nanocrystalline CdS and the analysis of their current–voltage characteristics yielded a diode ideality factor (n) of 2.6 and a reverse saturation current density ( J S ) of 1.00×10−5 A/cm2. Corresponding values for the Schottky diode on polycrystalline CdS were 3.4 and 1.93×10−6 A/cm2.
The concurrent validity of three self-report measures of borderline personality

The recent accumulation of self-report measures of borderline personality disorder (BPD) affords the opportunity to evaluate both the construct validity of the concept and the quality of these measures. This study examines the relationship among three recently developed self-report instruments for assessing BPD from the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI; Morey, 1991), the MMPI Personality Disorders Scales (MPD; Morey, Waugh, & Blashfield, 1985), and the Bell Object Relations Inventory (BORI: Bell, Billington, & Becker, 1986). Data on the three measures were provided by 119 undergraduate subjects from a southeastern university. A correlational analysis addresses the convergence of these measures of BPD, their divergence from measures of different but related traits, and their independence from variance due to method. Application of the Campbell-Fiske (1959) criteria indicates adequate convergence for all the BPD measures but a lack of discriminant validity for the BORI scales. The fit of the data to a structural model of construct validity is tested using confirmatory factor analysis, and these results are consistent with the hypothesis of a latent borderline trait factor independent of measurement method factors. In sum, the construct validity of the borderline personality concept using self-report methodologies receives support, and a strong association between borderline personality and paranoid phenomena is also suggested.
The window of vulnerability of a shoot-galling sawfly to attack by a parasitoid.

We studied the susceptibility of a shoot-galling sawfly, Euura lasiolepis, to attack by the parasitoid Lathrostizus euurae. Each Euura had a "window of vulnerability": a limited time period when the parasitoid attacked it. Lathrostizus attacked a limited range of gall sizes and ages during each sample period. Gall age was related to its position on a shoot, and Lathrostizus shifted the gall position it attacked as it tracked vulnerable-aged galls. The parasitoid emergence period matched the window of vulnerability of its host. Lathrostizus attacked and successfully parasitized a low proportion of hosts encountered. A low interval-parasitism rate uniformly distributed among Eulura galls formed at different times is consistent with the pattern expected if the window of vulnerability influenced attack. The window of vulnerability was formed by the interaction of gall and sawfly devel- opment rates. Two hypotheses that defined the window were supported: (1) the host de- velopment hypothesis, that Lathrostizus is a larval parasite and does not attack galls containing eggs and (2) the gall toughness hypothesis, that large, old galls that are tough are not attacked by Lathrostizus. Our data did not support (3) the ovipositor limitation hypothesis, that some galls were too large for the larva inside to be reached by the Lath- rostizus ovipositor. We observed that if these galls were soft, they were attacked. Lathrosti- zus parasitism rates on Euura varied widely among willow clones. Willows differed in the rate of gall toughening, which produced different-sized windows and thus contributed to variation in parasitism rates among Euura populations on different willow clones.
Some theorems on the free groups of certain product varieties

It does not seem easy to improve on Theorem 1. In fact there is no complete analog of Schreier's theorem even for the free groups of product varieties. For example, suppose that G is the free metabelian group on a and b. Let N be the normal closure of a 2 and b 2. Then it is not difficult to show that G/N is the infinite dihedral group. However, as we see from Theorem 1' below, N is finitely generated. To each metabelian variety one can associate an integer, termed its
Differential Effects of Maternal and Paternal Alcoholism and Gender on Drinking, Alcohol-Related Self-Cognition, and Psychopathology

Familial alcoholism is associated with various types of psychopathology in offspring, yet most studies do not differentiate maternal from paternal alcoholism. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of maternal and paternal alcoholism and gender on alcohol consumption, an alcohol-related self-cognition, and four types of psychopathologic symptoms in young adults. Data were drawn from a study designed to examine the role of the self-concept in alcoholism and recovery. The sample included young adults with a current DSM-IV diagnosis of alcohol dependence (n = 25), those with a history of DSM-IV alcohol dependence who were abstinent for at least 12 months (n = 18), and nonalcoholic controls (n = 23). Regression analyses showed that 1) alcoholism on the paternal side of the family independently predicted drinking behavior and symptoms of social phobia over and above the effects of current alcohol dependence, 2) neither alcoholism on the maternal nor paternal side of the family predicted the alc...
Central serotonergic function in parasuicide.

Abstract 1. 1. Central 5-HT is thought to be involved in neuronal inhibition and as such as a modulating influence in restraining the organism from responding to (e.g., especially adverse) stimuli. 2. 2. Evidence for a role of central 5-HT in suicide arises from reduced concentrations of brain 5-HT or 5-HIAA in brain stem, reduced binding of [3-H]-IMI in brain tissue of frontal cortex/hypothalamus, and increased binding of radioligands to 5-HT-2 receptors in the frontal cortex. 3. 3. Evidence for a role of central 5-HT in parasuicide arises from reduced concentrations of lumbar CSF 5-HIAA, reduced PRL responses to d,l-fenfluramine challenge, and increased CORT responses to 5-HTP challenge. 4. 4. Since reduced central 5-HT activity appears to be consistently associated with impulsiv aggression, it is possible that suicidal and parasuicidal acts in individuals with evidence of reduced central 5-HT activity are a manifestation of reduced impulse control. 5. 5. Agents which enhance central 5-HT function and/or diminish the activity of neuronal systems involved in arousal (e.g. norepinephrine or dopamine) should be efficacious in reducing parasuicidal behavior.
Chyloptysis in Adults: Presentation, Recognition, and Differential Diagnosis

Chyloptysis is a rare finding, and the accompanying respiratory symptoms are usually nonspecific. The recognition of the chylous nature of the sputum is requisite for proper diagnosis, especially if chyloptysis is not accompanied by chylous pleural effusion. The key to the differential diagnosis of chyloptysis is to consider illnesses that can induce reflux of chyle into the bronchial tree. There are two mechanisms postulated: the first requires the presence of an abnormal communication between the bronchial tree and the lymphatic channels, and the second requires a bronchopleural fistula in the context of a chylous pleural effusion. Chyloptysis in adults should prompt assessment for evidence of lymphatic obstruction from trauma, radiation, and malignancy, and to exclude diseases with known association with chyloptysis, ie, lymphangioleiomyomatosis, yellow nail syndrome, or thoracic lymphangiectasis. A lymphangiogram is recommended to define the abnormality. In the case of lymphangiectasis, patients respond to either dietary modification and/or ligation of the thoracic duct.
The Primeval Mass Fluctuation Spectrum and the Distribution of the Nearby Galaxies

The initial peculiar velocities of tracers of the extragalactic mass distribution computed by a numerical application of the action principle offer a measure of the primeval mass fluctuation power spectrum P(k). Presented here is a method of estimating the spectrum from the fit of the velocity correlation function expressed as an integral over P(k) in linear perturbation theory to the products of pairs of initial velocities of the mass tracers. The method is applied to numerical action solutions for the motions of the galaxies in and near the Local Group. The distributions of products of pairs of the initial velocities are in satisfactory agreement with the predictions from the correlation function. The range of initial separations in the sample is too small to constrain the shape of P(k), but the value is reasonably well determined at wavenumber km ~ 0.4 Mpc–1 in a low-density cosmological model, or km Mpc~ 0.75 Mpc–1 in an Einstein-de Sitter model. In a low-density open or cosmologically flat model, the value of P(km) extrapolated to the present in linear perturbation theory agrees with estimates from the galaxy distribution under the assumption that galaxies trace mass. This adds to the evidence that galaxies are useful mass tracers. In the low-density models, the galaxy distribution near the Local Group grew out of a primeval mass fluctuation δM/M ~ 1 extrapolated to the present in linear theory.
Paliperidone palmitate injection for the acute and maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adults.

PURPOSE To review the use of paliperidone palmitate in treatment of patients with schizophrenia. METHODS Published clinical trial data for the development and utilization of paliperidone palmitate for the treatment of schizophrenia were assessed in this review. Four short-term, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials investigated the efficacy of paliperidone palmitate in acute exacerbation of schizophrenia. Paliperidone palmitate was also studied as a maintenance treatment to prevent or delay relapse in stable schizophrenia. In addition, paliperidone palmitate was compared to risperidone long-acting injection for noninferiority in three studies. RESULTS Paliperidone palmitate has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms as measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total scores in the four acute treatment studies. In the maintenance treatment studies, paliperidone palmitate was found to be more effective than placebo in preventing or delaying the time to first relapse in stable schizophrenia patients. In addition, paliperidone palmitate was shown to be noninferior to risperidone long-acting injection in two studies. It was shown to be reasonably well tolerated in all clinical trials. Acute treatment phase should be initiated with a dose of 234 mg on day one and 156 mg on day eight, followed by a recommended monthly maintenance dose of 39-234 mg based on efficacy and tolerability results from the clinical studies. CONCLUSION Providing an optimal long-term treatment can be challenging. Paliperidone palmitate can be used as an acute treatment even in outpatient setting, and it has shown to be well tolerated by patients. Also, it does not require overlapping oral antipsychotic supplementation while being initiated, and is dosed once per month.
Behavioral mechanisms for the anorectic action of the serotonin (5-HT) uptake inhibitor sertraline in rats: comparison with directly acting 5-HT agonists.

Abstract The 5-HT uptake inhibitor, sertraline (5–40 μmol/kg, IP) reduced the volume of milk consumed by food-deprived rats during a 30-min test (ID 50 = 12 μmol/kg). Observations using a time-sampling method revealed that sertraline shortened meal duration (ID 50 = 14 μmol/kg) by decreasing feeding and increasing resting without altering nonfeeding activity or the overall sequence of behavior that characterizes normal satiety. In separate experiments, analysis of videotapes demonstrated that sertraline (10 μmol/kg) decreased not only the time that rats fed but also their actual rate of intake. In comparison, doses of the direct 5-HT agonists, mCPP (1-[3-chlorophenyl]piperazine), RU 24969 (5-methoxy-3-[1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl]-1H-indole), and DOI (1-[2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl]-2-aminopropane) that produced similar anorectic effects altered either feeding time or rate but not both. DOI also disrupted the continuity of feeding and the 5-HT agonist, 8-OH-DPAT (8-hydroxy-di-N-propylamino tetralin) produced marked stereotypy at anorectic doses. Together, these results imply that stimulating a number of different serotonergic mechanisms can reduce food intake in rats. Sertraline appears to accelerate the onset of normal satiety, presumably by enhancing physiological actions of endogenous 5-HT.
LEEM Investigations of bcc Metals Grown Heteroepitaxially on Sapphire

We describe studies of.refractory metals Mo and Nb, grown heteroepitaxially in the (011) orientation on sapphire % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaaguart1ev2aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn % hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr % 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9 % vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x % fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaWaaeWaaeaaca % aIXaGaaGymaiqaikdagaqeaiaaicdaaiaawIcacaGLPaaaaaa!3A7F! $$\left( {11\bar 20} \right)$$ , using low energy electron microscopy (LEEM). A wide variety of structural and dynamical phenomena are observed and recorded as video sequences. These are organized here in five categories as follows. First are surface impurity phases identified by LEED. It is an important point, established here for Mo, that almost ideally clean surfaces with mainly single stepped terraces, can be prepared on thin films for use in surface science. Second, surface reconstruction phenomena can also be identified by diffraction. This is illustrated here by a reconstruction of the Nb surface, with two equivalent domains that form a stripe phase, owing to competing long and short range interactions. Detailed studies of nucleation, fluctuations and the equilibrium of these variants are described. The third area is surface topography, illustrated here by almost ideal stepped surfaces of Mo and Nb at high temperatures, and by nanofaceting by step edge coalescence to form {110} facets on Nb at lower temperatures. The phase diagram for nanofaceting is discussed. Fourth are processes at the internal Al2O3-metal interface, as interfacial dislocations, misorientation steps and defects become visible in the LEEM image through the displacement fields they cause. The final category includes bulk process where the observed dynamics of threading screw and edge dislocations and accompanying slip traces reveal their release at high temperatures from Cottrell atmospheres. The kinetics are tracked as surface diffusion smooths dislocation slip traces, and the interactions among dislocations and surface steps are measured.
Hypsometry of glaciated landscapes

Hypsometry (frequency distribution of elevations) is often used to characterize landscape morphology, traditionally in the context of the degree of ﬂuvial dissection. Recently, the hypsometry of glaciated regions has been used to infer how rates of glacial erosion compare with tectonic uplift rates. However, many factors other than tectonics can also exert a major inﬂuence on the hypsometry of a glaciated landscape, resulting in a wide variety of hypsometries. Using examples from the eastern Sierra Nevada, California, the western Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado, and the Ben Ohau Range, New Zealand, we demonstrate that, all else being equal, the hypsometries of neighbouring basins can indicate the relative degree of glacial modiﬁcation in each. A selection of drainage basins from the Rocky Mountains shows that the position of the equilibrium line altitude (ELA) within the drainage basin relief is a dominant variable in determining the hypsometry of a glaciated basin. This is a non-linear effect: once the ELA falls to some critical level, the glaciers scour deeply below the ELA, causing a noticeably different hypsometry. The hypsometry of an arbitrary region encompassing many drainage basins can disguise the variation present in the hypsometries, and thus landforms, of the individual basins. Unique local circumstances, such as the presence of a mountain iceﬁeld (Waiho Basin, Southern Alps), substantial hanging valleys (Avalanche Creek, Glacier National Park), a narrow outlet canyon (Sawmill Creek, Sierra Nevada), and isolated geologic structures (Baker Creek, Sierra Nevada), can have a major impact on the hypsometry of an individual basin. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The epsilon subunit confers fast channel gating on multiple classes of acetylcholine receptors

During vertebrate skeletal muscle development, multiple forms of long-open-time (slow-type) ACh receptor channels are replaced by at least two different types of short-open-time (fast-type) ACh receptors. Expression of ACh receptors in Xenopus oocytes indicates that the substitution of an epsilon subunit for a gamma subunit may account for both types of fast-gated channel types in adult muscle. Unlike the various forms of the embryonic receptor, in which functional diversity is achieved through alterations in subunit composition, the two major fast-gated forms expressed in oocytes have identical subunit composition. These findings provide a structural basis for both types of short-open-time ACh receptor types found in adult muscle.
The Colors of Distant Objects

A general expression is developed for the apparent color of an object of any intrinsic color, seen through a given thickness of an atmosphere of any specified optical properties. In deriving this expression, the author has made use of modern theories of the alteration of contrast by the atmosphere. Some examples of the application of this theory are given, and in conclusion it is shown that the visual range of colored objects differs little from that of achromatic objects of the same luminance factor.
Organizational Culture Changes Result in Improvement in Patient-Centered Outcomes: Implementation of an Integrated Recovery Pathway for Surgical Patients

Background The goals of quality improvement are to partner with patients and loved ones to end preventable harm, continuously improve patient outcomes and experience, and eliminate waste, yet few programs have successfully worked on of all these in concert. Study Design We evaluated implementation of a pathway designed to improve patient outcomes, value, and experience in colorectal surgery. The pathway expanded on pre-existing comprehensive unit-based safety program infrastructure and used trust-based accountability models at each level, from senior leaders (chief financial officer and senior vice president for patient safety and quality) to frontline staff. It included preoperative education, mechanical bowel preparation with oral antibiotics, chlorhexidine bathing, multimodal analgesia with thoracic epidurals or transversus abdominus plane blocks, a restricted intravenous fluids protocol, early mobilization, and resumption of oral intake. Eleven months of pre- and post-pathway outcomes, including length of stay (LOS), National Surgical Quality Improvement Program surgical site infection (SSI), venous thromboembolism, and urinary tract infection rates, patient experience, and variable direct costs were compared. Results Three hundred ten patients underwent surgery in the baseline period, the mean LOS was 7 days, and the mean SSI rate was 18.8%. There were 330 patients who underwent surgery on the pathway, the LOS was 5 days, and the rate of SSI was 7.3%. Patient experience improved and variable direct costs decreased. Conclusions Our trust-based accountability model, which included both senior hospital leadership and frontline providers, provided an enabling structure to rapidly implement an integrated recovery pathway and quickly improve outcomes, value, and experience of patients undergoing colorectal surgery. The study findings have significant implications for spreading surgical quality improvement work.
Exhaustive stability analysis in a consensus system with time delay and irregular topologies

A consensus problem and its stability for a group of agents with second order dynamics and communication delays is studied. Communication topologies are taken as irregular but always connected and undirected. The delays are assumed to be quasi-static and they remain the same for all the interagent channels. A decentralized PD-like control structure is proposed to create consensus in the position and velocity of the agents. We deploy a recent factorization technique for the characteristic equation of the system in order to simplify the stability analysis from a prohibitively large dimension to a small scale. Considering all possible topologies we reach a common stability picture utilizing a paradigm named CTCR. The influence of the individual factors on the absolute and relative stability of the system is studied, leading to the introduction of a novel concept of most exigent eigenvalue, for the one that defines the delay margin of the system, and the most critical eigenvalue, which dictates the consensus speed. It is shown that the most exigent eigenvalue is not always the most critical. Case studies and simulations results are presented to verify the analytical derivations.
Aggregation drives “misfolding” in protein amyloid fiber formation

Protein amyloid fibers are often found to have a β-pleated sheet structure regardless of their sequence, leading some to believe that it is the molecule's misfolding that leads to aggregation. In this article, an alternative model is introduced for the amyloid community to consider, that fiber formation is a surface-energy minimization process, starting with the generation of colloidal particles and their linear assembly, and ending with structural evolution of the aggregates into mature fibers. We propose that aggregation drives conformational change and that a conformational change is not essential to initiate the aggregation process.
Multidisciplinary Research Projects for Engineering Students - Part II

The primary goal of this paper is to provide resources and some ideas for undergraduate research projects and class projects suitable for mathematics, science, and engineering students. We also include a brief discussion of benefits of research projects to Engineering undergraduate education and attempt to identify the properties of research projects that are suitable for undergraduate students.
Optical scattering, absorption, and polarization of healthy and neovascularized human retinal tissues

The optical scattering, absorption, and polarization properties of human retinal tissues are investigated for a number of laser wavelengths in the visible range. The indices of refraction of these tissues are determined by applying Brewster's law. The inverse adding doubling method based on the diffusion approximation and radiative transport theory is applied to the measured values of total diffuse transmission, total diffuse reflection, and index of refraction to determine the optical absorption, scattering, and scattering anisotropy coefficients of the intact retinal tissues from healthy and diseased (neovascularized) human eyes. The polarization studies show that the retinal tissues possess significant intrinsic polarization characteristics, that are more pronounced in diseased tissues than in healthy tissues.