cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Real time optimal feeding in a fermentor using a Markov decision algorithm

A Markov chain process is used to model a fed-batch fermentation. A real time optimization problem is posed in terms of Markov decision process (MDP) to determine the feed profile that maximizes the expected total discounted reward of the fermentation product. Preliminary optimality conditions, computational aspects, and real time experimental results are presented. The experimental results show a 120% increase in ethanol productivity compared with previous results.
Reliability of the ecSatter Inventory as a tool to measure eating competence.

Abstract Objective To examine the reliability of the ecSatter Inventory (ecSI), a measure of eating competence. Design Self-report questionnaires were administered in person or by mail. Retesting occurred 2 to 6 weeks after completion of the first questionnaire. Participants Both administrations of the questionnaire were completed by 259 participants who were mostly food secure, white females with some college education; mean age was 26.9 ± 10.4 years. Measures Test-retest reliability and internal consistency. Analysis Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients to estimate test-retest reliability and Cronbach alpha coefficients to estimate internal consistency. Results Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient for ecSI total score was 0.68; subscale coefficients were 0.70 for eating attitudes, 0.70 for contextual skills, 0.65 for food acceptance, and 0.52 for internal regulation. Cronbach alpha coefficient for ecSI total score was 0.77. Subscale alphas coefficients were 0.80 for eating attitudes, 0.69 for contextual skills, 0.68 for food acceptance, and 0.66 for internal regulation. Conclusions and Implications This study provides psychometric evidence about the reliability of ecSI as a measure of eating competence in this sample. Although some ecSI items may require revision, results suggest that the instrument may be used to evaluate nutrition education designed to improve eating competence.
INTRARECTAL LIDOCAINE DURING TRANSRECTAL PROSTATE BIOPSY: RESULTS OF A PROSPECTIVE DOUBLE-BLIND RANDOMIZED TRIAL

Purpose: Recent reports have indicated the benefit of anesthesia during prostate biopsy. To assess this finding objectively we performed a prospective randomized double-blind study to compare patient pain with and without local anesthesia during transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsies.Materials and Methods: Between August 2000 and March 2001, 108 men undergoing transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate were randomized in double-blind fashion to receive intrarectal 2% lidocaine gel or intrarectal lubricant alone. No patient received pre-procedure narcotics or sedation. Pain associated with biopsy was determined using a horizontal linear visual analog pain scale. Pain scores in the 2 treatment groups were compared and possible predictors of increased pain were examined.Results: The 2 groups were similar in demographic characteristics. There was no significant difference in pain score in the 2% lidocaine and lubricant alone groups (28.3 versus 28.9 mm., p = 0.88). Previous biopsy, time sin...
Detection of oxidative stress biomarker-induced assembly of gold nanoparticles in retinal pigment epithelial cells

Oxidative stress (OS) is increasingly implicated as an underlying pathogenic mechanism in a wide range of diseases, resulting from an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the system's ability to detoxify the reactive intermediates or repair the resulting damage. ROS can be difficult to detect directly; however, they can be detected indirectly from the effects on oxidative stress biomarkers (OSB), such as glutathione (GSH), 3-nitrotyrosine, homocysteine, and cysteine. Moreover the reaction of transition metals with thiol-containing amino acids (for example GSH) oxidized by ROS can yield reactive products that accumulate with time and contribute to aging and diseases. The study of the interaction between OSB using functionalized nanoparticles (fNPs) has attracted interest because of potential applications in bio-sensors and biomedical diagnostics. A goal of the present work is to use fNPs to detect and ultimately quantitate OS in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells subjected to external stressors, e.g. nonionizing (light) and ionizing (gamma) radiation. Specifically, we are investigating the assembly of gold fNPs mediated by the oxidation of GSH in irradiated RPE cells. The dynamic interparticle interactions had been characterized in previously reported work by monitoring the evolution of the surface plasmon resonance band using spectroscopic analysis (UV-VIS absorption). Here we are comparing the dynamic evolution of fNP assembly using photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS). We expect that PAS will provide a more sensitive measure allowing these fNP sensors to measure OS in cell-based models without the artifacts limiting the use of current methods, such as fluorescent indicators.
Occupational stress: a significant contributor to effective utilization of technology

(1982). Occupational stress: a significant contributor to effective utilization of technology. International Journal of Production Research: Vol. 20, No. 3, pp. 409-416.
Narcotic analgesics, their detection and pain measurement in the horse: a review

Narcotic analgesics produce pharmacological effects by interacting with specific opiate receptors. At least five major types of opiate receptors have been recognised. These include mu (morphine) and kappa (ethylketazocine) receptor types. Narcotic analgesics which interact with mu receptors produce locomotor and autonomic stimulation at doses that produce little or no analgesia. Therefore, use of these drugs as analgesics in equine medicine has not been very satisfactory. Theoretical considerations suggested that the role of kappa agonists in equine analgesia be investigated. Using a pure kappa agonist, U-50, 488H, good analgesia was produced in the horse with little or no locomotor stimulation or autonomic effects. These data suggest that kappa agonists may be superior analgesics for clinical use in the horse. On the other hand, the locomotor stimulant effects of mu agonist analgesics enable their use as illegal medications. Specifically, these agents produce a good running response, signs of central nervous stimulation and analgesia, all potentially useful effects in a racehorse. Regulatory control of most narcotic analgesics can be obtained by high performance thin layer chromatographic screening. However, effective screening for the fentanyls and small doses of etorphine can only be achieved by use of immunoassay.
The inactivation of thymidylate synthase by periodate

Abstract Thymidylate synthase from methotrexate-resistant Lactobacillus casei rapidly lost about 90% of its catalytic activity when incubated with an equimolar concentration of 104− at 0°C Nearly complete inhibition resulted when the IO4− concentration was twice the enzyme concentration or higher. The inhibition reaction appeared to be pseudo-first-order with respect to enzyme when IO4− was in excess. The substrate dUMP, the product dTMP, and inorganic phosphate all protected the enzyme from inactivation by 104−, with the order of effectiveness dUMP > dTMP > phosphate. Deoxyuridine, which is not a substrate, did not protect the enzyme. Titrations with dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoate) (DTNB) showed that approximately 1.5 titratable SH groups were lost when thymidylate synthase was completely inhibited by 104−. Essentially no reactivation occurred when periodate-inhibited enzyme was dialyzed against buffered 2-mercaptoethanol (ME) or dithiothreitol (DTT). Enzyme that had been treated with p-hydroxymercunbenzoate, DTNB, or methylmethanethiosulfonate prior to treatment with penodate could be completely reactivated with ME or DTT.
The p -adic Arakawa–Kaneko zeta functions and p -adic Lerch transcendent

Abstract Text The Arakawa–Kaneko zeta functions interpolate the poly-Bernoulli polynomials at the negative integers, while their values at the positive integers are connected to multiple zeta values and harmonic number sums. Here we construct p-adic analogues of these functions and show that these complex formulas have good p-adic counterparts. The method of construction, summing a series of forward differences of p-adic power functions, is a p-adic adaptation of an everywhere-convergent series for the Hurwitz zeta function due to Hasse. We also apply this method to construct a p-adic Lerch transcendent. Expressions for zeta values and related constants as harmonic number series which converge in both complex and p-adic senses are a prominent feature of this approach. Video For a video summary of this paper, please visit http://youtu.be/Mqd6W0TW9D0 .
Amphetamine-induced glutamate efflux in the rat ventral tegmental area is prevented by MK-801, SCH 23390, and ibotenic acid lesions of the prefrontal cortex.

We showed previously that amphetamine challenge produces a delayed increase in glutamate efflux in the ventral tegmental area of both naive and chronic amphetamine-treated rats. The present study examined the mechanisms underlying this response. The NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) or the D1 dopamine receptor antagonist SCH 23390 (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.), given 30 min before acute amphetamine (5 mg/kg, i.p.), prevented amphetamine-induced glutamate efflux. Neither antagonist by itself altered glutamate efflux. Ibotenic acid lesions of the prefrontal cortex similarly prevented amphetamine-induced glutamate efflux, while producing a trend toward decreased basal glutamate levels (82.8% of sham group). Previous work has shown that the doses of NMDA and D1 receptor antagonists used in this study prevent the induction of behavioral sensitization when coadministered repeatedly with amphetamine, and that identical prefrontal cortex lesions performed before repeated amphetamine prevent the induction of ambulatory sensitization. Thus, treatments that prevent acute amphetamine from elevating glutamate efflux in the ventral tegmental area also prevent repeated amphetamine from eliciting behavioral sensitization. These findings suggest that repeated elevation of glutamate levels during a chronic amphetamine regimen may contribute to the cascade of neuroadaptations within the ventral tegmental area that enables the induction of sensitization.
The High-Frequency Radiation of Sound from Bodies of Arbitrary Shape

Calcul du champ sonore rayonne par un corps vibrant de forme arbitraire dans un fluide tridimensionnel d'etendue infinie. Cas ou la dimension caracteristique du radiateur est grande par rapport a la longueur d'onde
Lysopine and Octopine Promote Crown-Gall Tumor Growth in vivo

Growth of tumors induced on primary leaves of bean plants by Agrobacterium tumefaciens was increased by the addition of lysopine and octopine. A detectable response was observed when as little as 1 microgram of these compounds was added per leaf, and the mean volume of the tumors was increased two- to threefold when greater amounts were applied. The specificity of the response and the unique association of these compounds with the tumors suggest that endogenous lysopine and octopine contribute to the growth characteristics of these tumors.
Correlated Sources over a Noisy Channel: Cooperation in the Wideband Limit

This paper studies cooperation between transmitters in a two-user Gaussian multiple access channel (MAC) with correlated sources in the wideband limit. The paper's findings can be intuitively stated as follows: if the two sources are sufficiently (highly) correlated, then full cooperation between the transmitters is possible in the wideband limit incurring an arbitrarily small bit error rate. The core idea behind this paper is to use pulse-position modulation and to allow signals from the two transmitters to coherently combine with one another. This result also emphasizes the difference between bit-error and block-error rates. Whereas cooperation is very difficult to establish when achieving arbitrarily small block error rates, it can be enabled when the objective is to achieve arbitrarily small bit error rates and the sources are highly correlated.
Single-Molecule Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy of Crystal Violet Isotopologues: Theory and Experiment

Single-molecule surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SMSERS) of crystal violet (CV) has been reported since 1997, yet others have offered alternative explanations that do not necessarily imply SMSERS. Recently, the isotopologue approach, a statistically signifi cant method to establish SMSERS, has been implemented for members of the rhodamine dye family. We provide the first demonstration of SMSERS of a triphenylmethane dye using the isotopologue approach. Two isotopologues of CV are employed to create chemically identical yet vibrationally distinct probe molecules. Experimental spectra were compared extensively with computational simulations to assign changes in mode frequencies upon deuteration. More than 90 silver nanoparticle clusters dosed with a 50:50 mixture of CV isotopologueswerespectroscopicallycharacterized,andthevibrationalsignatureofonlydeuteratedorundeuteratedCVwasobserved79 times,demonstratingthattheisotopologueapproachforprovingSMSERSisapplicabletoboththeCVandtherhodaminesystems.The use of CV, a minimally fluorescent dye, allowed direct evaluation of enhancement factors (EF), which are reported herein. Through experiment and theory, we show that molecular electronic resonance Raman (RR) and surface-enhanced Raman effects combine synergistically in SMSERS. Excluding RR effects, the EFSERS is ∼10 9 . Variations and relationships between substrate morphology and optical properties are further characterized by correlated SMSERS-localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)-high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) studies. We did not observe SMSERS from individual nanoparticles; further, SMSERS- supporting dimers are heterodimers of two disparately sized particles, with no subnanometer gaps. We present the largest collection to date of HRTEM images of SMSERS-supporting nanoparticle assemblies.
Paternal plastid DNA can be inherited in lentil.

Restriction fragment analysis was used to study the inheritance of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) in F1 progeny from crosses between Lens culinaris ssp. orientalis and L. culinaris ssp. culinaris. Twenty-five combinations of 11 restriction enzymes and three heterologous probes from Petunia hybrida cpDNA were used to screen six accessions of L.c. culinaris and one accession of L. c. orientalis for restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). No variation in cpDNA was observed within the subspecies L. c. culinaris, but the L. c. orientalis accession was unambiguously distinguished from all six L. c. culinaris accessions by two RFLPs. Of ten F1 progeny from L. c. orientalis x L. c. culinaris crosses, nine had only maternal cpDNA restriction fragments but one F1 plant inherited cpDNA fragments from both parents. Nuclear DNA inheritance was biparental in all ten F1 progeny.
Across-object Relationships in Perceived Object Orientation

Abstract An orientation discrimination paradigm was used to determine whether the perceived orientation of extended objects is based on the distribution of edge-orientations or on the response of mechanisms that encode relationships across the object; specifically we considered large, second-stage filters and cores (the perceived middle of the object) as encoders of the across-object relationship. The stimuli were “rectangles” with sinusoidally modulated long edges. Manipulating the frequency and relative phase of the edge modulation allowed us to assess the importance of the across-object relationships. Evidence was found for the importance of such relationships in determining perceived orientation. No evidence was found for direct use of the distribution of responding edge detectors. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
SU(6) predictions from Adler-Weisbarger sum rules and the Johnson-Treiman relations

Abstract Adler-Weisberger sum rules obtained from U(3) × U(3) are approximated by the decouplet for the low energy scattering while the high-energy continuum is taken to satisfy the Johnson-Treiman relations. This leads to the SU(6) prediction for the meson-baryon d/f ratio and a sum for the decuplet contribution.
Prospective Randomized Crossover Study of Simulation vs. Didactics for Teaching Medical Students the Assessment and Management of Critically Ill Patients

Background: Simulation (SIM) allows medical students to manage high-risk/low-frequency cases in an environment without patient risk. However, evidence for the efficacy of SIM-based training remains limited. Objective: To compare SIM-based training to traditional didactic lecture (LEC) for teaching medical students to assess and manage critically ill patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and anaphylaxis. Methods: Prospective, randomized, non-blinded crossover study of 28 fourth-year medical students. Students were oriented to the human patient simulator, then randomized to SIM or LEC between August and December 2007. The SIM group learned to manage MI using SIM training and the LEC group learned via PowerPoint lecture. All subjects' assessment and management skills were then evaluated during a simulation session of MI. During a second instruction session, the students crossed over and were taught anaphylaxis using the opposite modality and similar assessments were conducted. Completion of critical actions for each case were scored, converted to percentages, and analyzed via signed rank test. Results: Of 28 subjects, 27 performed better when trained with SIM compared with LEC (p < 0.0001). Mean scores were 93% (95% confidence interval [CI] 9195%) of critical actions completed for SIM and 71% (95% CI 6676%) for LEC. Absolute increase for simulation was 22% (95% CI 1826%). For three domains common to MI and anaphylaxis, simulation scores were higher for history (27%, 95% CI 2138%), physical examination (26%, 95% CI 2033%), and management (16%, 95% CI 1121%). Conclusion: SIM training is superior to didactic lecture for teaching fourth-year medical students to assess and manage simulated critically ill MI and anaphylaxis patients. © 2011 Elsevier Inc.
When a Picture Is Worth More Than a Thousand Words Graphic versus Algebraic Sensitivity Analysis

Quantitative applications of policy analysis has been limited by the mathematical basis upon which it is founded. Policymakers may be skeptical of advice based on methods they do not fully comprehend. Graphically displaying the results enhances the ability of less quantitative policy actors to understand the meaning of common and, in many cases, inexpensive microcomputer spreadsheet programs available today. As an example, sensitivity analyses based on Nagel's "P/G Percentage Analysis" are graphically demonstrated. It is hoped that an enhanced ability to communicate such results will improve the climate for better public policy.
A New, Simple Method for Estimating Pleural Effusion Size on CT Scans

Background There is no standardized system to grade pleural effusion size on CT scans. A validated, systematic grading system would improve communication of findings and may help determine the need for imaging guidance for thoracentesis. Methods CT scans of 34 patients demonstrating a wide range of pleural effusion sizes were measured with a volume segmentation tool and reviewed for qualitative and simple quantitative features related to size. A classification rule was developed using the features that best predicted size and distinguished among small, moderate, and large effusions. Inter-reader agreement for effusion size was assessed on the CT scans for three groups of physicians (radiology residents, pulmonologists, and cardiothoracic radiologists) before and after implementation of the classification rule. Results The CT imaging features found to best classify effusions as small, moderate, or large were anteroposterior (AP) quartile and maximum AP depth measured at the midclavicular line. According to the decision rule, first AP-quartile effusions are small, second AP-quartile effusions are moderate, and third or fourth AP-quartile effusions are large. In borderline cases, AP depth is measured with 3-cm and 10-cm thresholds for the upper limit of small and moderate, respectively. Use of the rule improved interobserver agreement from κ = 0.56 to 0.79 for all physicians, 0.59 to 0.73 for radiology residents, 0.54 to 0.76 for pulmonologists, and 0.74 to 0.85 for cardiothoracic radiologists. Conclusions A simple, two-step decision rule for sizing pleural effusions on CT scans improves interobserver agreement from moderate to substantial levels.
General practitioners’ advice to use topical rather than oral ibuprofen resulted in equivalent effects on chronic knee painCommentary

M Underwood Professor M Underwood, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK; M.Underwood@warwick.ac.uk For older patients with chronic knee pain, should general practitioners advise use of topical or oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)? ### Design: randomised controlled trial (Topical or Oral Ibuprofen [TOIB]). ### Allocation: concealed. ### Blinding: blinded (data collectors). ### Follow-up period: 12 months. ### Setting: 26 general practices in the UK. ### Patients: 282 patients ⩾50 years of age (mean age 63 y, 54% women) with knee pain (97% with osteoarthritis). Exclusion criteria included history of, or awaiting, knee replacement, and recent knee injury. ### Intervention: the patient’s general practitioner recommended preferential use of topical ibuprofen (n = 138) or oral ibuprofen (n = 144). ### Outcomes: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, adverse effects, and cost-effectiveness. The study had >80% power to show equivalence in WOMAC scores to within 10 mm (α = 0.05). ### Patient follow-up: 88% (intention-to-treat …
Understanding the Impact of Emerging Non-Volatile Memories on High-Performance, IO-Intensive Computing

Emerging storage technologies such as flash memories, phase-change memories, and spin-transfer torque memories are poised to close the enormous performance gap between disk-based storage and main memory. We evaluate several approaches to integrating these memories into computer systems by measuring their impact on IO-intensive, database, and memory-intensive applications. We explore several options for connecting solid-state storage to the host system and find that the memories deliver large gains in sequential and random access performance, but that different system organizations lead to different performance trade-offs. The memories provide substantial application-level gains as well, but overheads in the OS, file system, and application can limit performance. As a result, fully exploiting these memories' potential will require substantial changes to application and system software. Finally, paging to fast non-volatile memories is a viable option for some applications, providing an alternative to expensive, powerhungry DRAM for supporting scientific applications with large memory footprints.
The structure of the transition state of the heterodimeric topoisomerase I of Leishmania donovani as a vanadate complex with nicked DNA.

Type IB topoisomerases are essential enzymes that are responsible for relaxing superhelical tension in DNA by forming a transient covalent nick in one strand of the DNA duplex. Topoisomerase I is a target for anti-cancer drugs such as camptothecin, and these drugs also target the topoisomerases I in pathogenic trypanosomes including Leishmania species and Trypanosoma brucei . Most eukaryotic enzymes, including human topoisomerase I, are monomeric. However, for Leishmania donovani , the DNA-binding activity and the majority of residues involved in catalysis are located in a large subunit, designated TOP1L, whereas the catalytic tyrosine residue responsible for covalent attachment to DNA is located in a smaller subunit, called TOP1S. Here, we present the 2.27 A crystal structure of an active truncated L. donovani TOP1L/TOP1S heterodimer bound to nicked double-stranded DNA captured as a vanadate complex. The vanadate forms covalent linkages between the catalytic tyrosine residue of the small subunit and the nicked ends of the scissile DNA strand, mimicking the previously unseen transition state of the topoisomerase I catalytic cycle. This structure fills a critical gap in the existing ensemble of topoisomerase I structures and provides crucial insights into the catalytic mechanism.
A DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING METHOD FOR BUILDING FREE ALGEBRAS

Abstract We are interested in deciding if a given nonassociative polynomial h is an identity for a variety of nonassociative algebras. We present an algorithm for constructing a certain homomorphic image of a free nonassociative algebra which is sufficient to answer the question. The algorithm resembles dynamic programming in that the algebra is built by constructing a sequence of subspaces; the basis of each subspace is determined by the basis of previous subspaces. The number of arithmetic operations required to construct the algebra is bounded by a polynomial in the degree of h and the dimension of the resulting algebra.
Survey of viscous interactions associated with high Mach number flight

T most severe problems of atmospheric flight at high Mach numbers are associated with viscous-inviscid interactions. Cruise vehicles for Mach numbers above four and lifting re-entry vehicles have highly complex three-dimensional configurations in which exist many regions of high compression that can cause boundary layers to separate. Although separation can result in loss of control effectiveness or flow degradation in an engine inlet, flow reattachment gives rise to heat rates that can far exceed those for an attached boundary layer. A further, and possibly far more severe viscous interaction problem is the impingement of shock waves generated by the forebody and other external components of a vehicle on aft sections resulting in local heat rates that may be many times larger than stagnation point values. Peak heating conditions may be laminar for lifting re-entry configurations, though our knowledge of boundary layertransition is far from adequate so that transitional and turbulent flows cannot be ruled out. However, Reynolds num, bers of potential high Mach number cruise vehicles are high— 10 to 10—so that viscous interactions will be predominately associated with turbulent boundary layers and their attendant higher heat rates. The high local heat rates resulting from viscous interactions cause "hot spots" that could lead to catastrophic failure. Vivid examples of damage resulting from viscous interactions are given in Figs. 1 and 2. A ventral pylon on the X-15 airplane, shown in Fig. 1, caused high^local heating of the fuselage around its root, and developed large holes near its tip due to the impingement of the shock wave from a dummy ramjet it supported, during a flight at Mach 6.7 in 1967. A study of the flowfield of the pylon-mounted dummy ramjet configuration is reported in Ref. 1. Figure 2 shows considerable damage due to interaction heating to the underside of a sled and its supporting slipper as a result of a run at 7000 fps on the 7-mile test track at Holloman Air Force Base. Unlike stagnation-point heating where the location is obvious, the problem with complex configurations is to determine "where" high heat rates are likely to occur, as well as their magnitude. It is the purpose of this paper to identify some potentially critical areas of viscous interactions associated with high Mach number vehicles and briefly review our state of knowledge in these areas with emphasis on the basic flow phenomena.
Neuronal protein economics: keeping tabs on synthesis.

A study reports a new method for wholesale labeling of neuronal proteins in situ that can visualize newly synthesized protein in a manner compatible with standard immunostaining techniques.
Enabling Antenna Technologies for the Software Definable Radio

Antenna systems that would enable seamless mobility using portable Software Definable Radios include a wide variety of technologies, ranging from multi-band, tunable, or active antennas, to multiple-input multiple output (MIMO) antenna systems. Depending on the specific SDR application and the expected spectrum coverage, some antenna technologies are more suitable to meet performance, size, complexity, and cost requirements. A number of antenna technologies suitable for enabling SDR on mobile phone and professional radio form factors are illustrated and comparatively analyzed. (6 pages)
QTc-Zeitverlängerung unter Ziprasidon in Kombination mit Quetiapin

BACKGROUND Ziprasidone, a novel antipsychotic agent for the treatment of schizophrenia, undergoes partial metabolism by cytochrome P450 3A4. It is associated with moderate prolongation of QT interval, but no increased risk for ventricular tachyarrhythmia or sudden death was demonstrated. CASE REPORT A 70-year-old male was initiated on quetiapine therapy for an acute exacerbation of chronic schizophrenia. The baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) showed a normal QT interval (QTc: 417 ms). In combination therapy of quetiapine and ziprasidone the patient developed suddenly cardiac arrhythmia with extrasystoles and the ECG revealed a prolonged QTc interval of 482 ms. After breaking off treatment with quetiapine and reduction of ziprasidone a normalized QT interval (QTc: 428 ms) was measured. CONCLUSIONS We suppose a potential of pharmacokinetic interaction between quetiapine and ziprasidone because of the same metabolic pathway by CYP3A4. Combining treatment of quetiapine and ziprasidone is therefore contraindicated. In addition we suggest caution using ziprasidone with any potential 3A4 substrate or inhibitor.
Fenestrated endothelium of the adrenal gland: freeze-fracture studies.

Abstract Little is known of how adrenal hormones pass from the interstitial to the vascular space. We have begun to examine the adrenal endothelium as a barrier to hormone passage, by the freeze-fracturing technique. The endothelium of both cortex and medulla is fenestrated. Fractures from both regions show endothelial cells to be extremely thin in regions where fenestrations are abundant. En face fractures show fenestrae disposed in tracts; the fenestrae reaching a distribution of 35/ μ 2 . In both cortex and medulla there are areas of continuous endothelium which contain caveolae. Structures believed to represent fenestra diaphragms contain randomly disposed particles and occasional pits. We have not identified in replicas the central ring and pore described in thin-sectioned material (Elfvin, 1965). The main differences between freeze-fractured aspects of cortical and medullary endothelium are the greater abundance of caveolae in the medulla and the size of the fenestrae (fenestra rims in the medulla are 525–780 A in diameter; in the cortex 570–1660 A). These differences may reflect the different embryological origins of the medulla and cortex. While caveolae may participate in hormone transport, there is no evidence for this. In the medulla the caveolae are more numerous and may have a function not necessarily related to transport. Possibly, caveolae play a role in processing hormones and related substances. For example, ATP and specific proteins are released as well as epinephrine during exocytosis from chromaffin cells. Epinephrine enters the vascular space but ATP does not. ATPase enzymes are a common feature of caveolae of other endothelia and may occur as well in adrenal endothelium.
Cyclohexanone from Cyclohexane and O2 in a Zeolite under Visible Light with Complete Selectivity

Irradiation of a cyclohexane and O2-loaded zeolite NaY with green or blue light resulted in oxidation of the alkane to cyclohexyl hydroperoxide and cyclohexanone (plus water) as the sole products. The hydroperoxide was found to rearrange thermally to cyclohexanone without side reaction. Complete selectivity in terms of the final oxidation product cyclohexanone persists even at high (>40%) conversion of cyclohexane. The chemistry was monitored by in-situ FT-infrared spectroscopy and the visible reactant absorption by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The absorption is attributed to the cyclohexane·O2 charge-transfer transition, which is shifted from the UV into the visible by the very high electrostatic field of the zeolite matrix cage. At elevated temperature, cyclohexane is thermally oxidized by O2 to the same products.
Motor assessment in pediatric neuropsychology: relationships to executive function

Executive function often refers to control behaviors such as "initiating," "sustaining," "inhibiting," and "switching." These mechanisms contribute to regulation of thinking and emotion but can be observed most clearly in the motor system. Neuropsychology has been influenced by "top-down" models of cognitive control that emerged from information-processing theories of cognition. In fact, neural models provide evidence that control processes are highly interactive within the cortico-striatal-cerebellar circuits. Cognition unfolds in response to motor-driven adaptation, and evidence exists for similar firing of brain cells and circuits during "imagined action" as in actual motor behavior. The motor system develops early and yet is not routinely assessed in neuropsychological evaluation of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. This article reviews some of the approaches to motor assessment that have sensitivity to neurodevelopmental disorders, and advocates for inclusion of motor assessment, particularly in evaluating control processes independent of culture, language, and other confounders.
Overview and assessment of recent research on the structural defects in poly(vinyl chloride)

Abstract New mechanistic studies of structural defect formation in ordinary poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) are summarized and critiqued. Evidence relating to the creation of some of the internal double bonds is tentatively suggested to imply the occurrence of hydrogen transfer via one or more cyclic transition states having ≥9 ring atoms. The absence of free chlorine atoms from polymerizations of vinyl chloride (VC) is reaffirmed, and a new mechanism, not yet verified, is identified as a possible explanation for a reported enhancement of the chloromethyl branch concentration at high conversions of monomer. This mechanism involves an intramolecular 1,5 hydrogen shift in a 1,3,5,6-tetrachlorohexyl radical. Copolymerization of VC with the chloroallylic chain ends of PVC is argued to be insignificant, and the new information in the literature is shown not to invalidate the currently accepted chemistry for the polymerization of vinyl chloride by standard free-radical methods.
In Vivo Gene Transfer and Gene Modulation in Hypertension Research

Transgenic technologies and homologous recombination approaches have been useful for studying the roles of specific genes in systemic hypertension. Recently, we and others have introduced the use of in vivo gene transfer to study the effects of local gene overexpression or inactivation in hypertension. Using in vivo gene transfer for the blood vessel, we have documented the direct hypertrophic action of local angiotensin and the growth-inhibitory effect of nitric oxide. In vivo gene transfer is also an effective method for discovering the unknown functions of a newly cloned gene. Using this approach, we identified the in vivo growth-inhibitory action of the angiotensin II type 2 receptor. In addition, we have developed a novel strategy using transcriptional factor “decoy” oligonucleotides to regulate the interaction of cis - and trans -acting factors involved in the modulation of gene expression in vivo. Thus, the decoy approach can “switch” on or off specific genes in selective tissues in vivo, thereby influencing local gene expression and tissue function. For example, using decoy oligonucleotides, we have “turned on” renin gene expression in the rat liver, in which it is usually not expressed, resulting in increased hepatic and plasma renin levels. Thus, in vivo gene transfer technology provides us with a new tool for in vivo characterization of genes involved in hypertension that has potential application in human therapy.
Differential effects of fluticasone propionate (FP) on gene expression in airway epithelial cells

Abstract Rationale Airway epithelial cells play roles in both innate immunity and inflammatory responses in the airways. To determine whether glucocorticoids regulate airway epithelial responses uniformly, we investigated the effect of the potent glucocorticoid FP on expression of both innate immune effectors and inflammatory mediators after stimulation with the Toll-like receptor 3 ligand double stranded RNA (dsRNA). Methods BEAS-2B airway epithelial cells were treated with FP (10 −7 M) for 2 hours before stimulation with dsRNA (25 μg/ml) for 18 hours. RNA was isolated for real-time RT-PCR analysis and cell supernatants were analyzed for protein by ELISA. Results In ≥3 experiments, stimulation of AEC with dsRNA increased mRNA levels as indicated: Complement factor B (mean, 28 fold), factor H (30 fold), SAA (78 fold), secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) (2.4 fold), RANTES (3028 fold), IL-8 (1025 fold), MIP-1α (101 fold), GM-CSF (1622 fold), IL-1β (34 fold). Treatment with FP did not inhibit induction of mRNA for factor B, factor H, SAA or SLPI. FP did inhibit expression of mRNA for IL-8, MIP-1α, RANTES, IL-1β and GM-CSF induced by dsRNA (in all cases ≥58% inhibition, n=3-5, p Conclusion These results suggest that glucocorticoids may spare innate immune responses in airway epithelial cells while they inhibit expression of inflammatory mediators.
Item-level passive UHF RFID tag locating using reader antenna spatial diversity

A new concept of passive RFID tag position finding is presented for real world item-level applications and provides automatic guidance for order fulfillment centers and retail stores. The new technique does not require a radio map, reference tags, or any additional hardware. This is accomplished by using precise signal models, a minimum mean-square error estimator and four spatially diverse CP reader antennas. Experimental results show that the proposed method can make unprecedented robust real time estimation practical regardless of the type and orientation of the tag and the operating environment.
Pharmacologic modulation of cerebral metabolic derangement and excitotoxicity in a porcine model of traumatic brain injury and hemorrhagic shock

Background Cerebral metabolic derangement and excitotoxicity play critical roles in the evolution of traumatic brain injury (TBI). We have shown previously that treatment with large doses of valproic acid (VPA) decreases the size of brain lesion. The goal of this experiment was to determine whether this effect was owing to metabolic modulation. Methods Yorkshire swine (n = 9) underwent a protocol of computer-controlled TBI and 40% hemorrhage and were resuscitated randomly with either fresh frozen plasma equal to the volume of shed blood (FFP; n = 4) or VPA (300 mg/kg) and FFP (FFP+VPA; n = 5). Hemodynamics, brain oxygenation, and blood glucose were monitored continuously for 6 hours after resuscitation. Cerebral microdialysis was used to measure glucose, lactate, pyruvate, glutamate, and glycerol levels at baseline, 1 and 2 hours post-shock, post-resuscitation (PR), and at 2, 4, and 6 hours PR. Brain samples from the injured side were then separated into mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions, and activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDH) was measured using a dipstick assay kit. Results At baseline, there was no difference in brain lactate, pyruvate, glycerol, and glutamate concentrations between the groups. At all time points, there were no differences between the groups in brain oxygenation, cerebral perfusion pressure, or blood and brain glucose concentrations. After VPA infusion (PR time point), however, there was sustained decrease in lactate (0.91 ± 0.47 vs 2.54 ± 0.59 mmol/L; P < .01) and pyruvate (12.80 ± 4.89 vs 46.25 ± 9.22; P < .001) concentrations compared with the FFP alone group, implying superior glucose utilization for ATP production. There was also a decrease in concentrations of glutamate (6.64 ± 3.68 vs 42.25 ± 27.07 mmol/L; P = .02) and glycerol (19.20 ± 6.76 vs 69.75 ± 30.07 mmol/L; P = .01), in the FFP+VPA group, signifying lesser degree of excitotoxicity and brain damage, respectively. Brain PDH activity was greater in the mitochondrial fractions (5,984 ± 504 adjusted volume intensity [INT] × mm2 vs 4,332 ± 1,055 INT × mm2; P = .04) and lower in cytosolic fractions in the FFP+VPA group (1,597 ± 1,395 vs 4,026 ± 1,067 INT × mm2; P = .03), indicating better mitochondrial membrane function and enhanced mitochondrial PDH retention. Conclusion VPA treatment attenuates perturbation of post-traumatic cerebral metabolism by mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction, and decreases glutamate-mediated excitotoxic damage. These properties could explain its effectiveness in decreasing lesion size and post-traumatic cerebral edema.
EXCITED-STATE DYNAMICS OF CHLORINE DIOXIDE IN THE CONDENSED PHASE FROM RESONANCE RAMAN INTENSITIES

Resonance Raman spectra of chlorine dioxide (OClO) dissolved in cyclohexane obtained with excitation throughout the 2B1−2A2 electronic transition are presented. Resonance Raman intensity corresponding to all vibrational degrees of freedom (the symmetric stretch, bend, and asymmetric stretch) is observed, demonstrating that excited-state structural evolution along all three coordinates occurs upon photoexcitation. The electronic absorption and absolute resonance Raman cross sections are reproduced employing the time-dependent formalism for Raman scattering using an anharmonic description of the 2A2, excited-state potential-energy surface. Analysis of the resonance Raman cross-sections demonstrates that both homogeneous and inhomogeneous broadening mechanisms are operative in cyclohexane. Comparison of the experimentally determined, gas-phase 2A2 surface to that in solution defined by the analysis presented here shows that although displacements along the symmetric stretch and bend are similar in both phase...
Terrestrial plant tolerance to herbivory

Damage to plants by herbivores is ubiquitous and sometimes severe. Tolerance is the capacity of a plant to maintain its fitness through growth and reproduction after sustaining herbivore damage. Recent physiological and ecological work indicates that tolerance mechanisms are numerous and varied. Some of the plant traits involved may reflect selection by herbivores, while others are likely to be by-products of selection for other ecological functions. Similarly, some tolerance mechanisms may participate In trade-offs with plant defence, while many do not. Regardless of its ultimate origin or physiological relationship to plant defence, tolerance often may Influence the evolution of plant defence and the composition of plant communities.
Enhancing end-to-end QoS granularity in DiffServ networks via service vector and explicit endpoint admission control

The DiffServ model is considered as a scalable and viable solution to provide QoS in the Internet. However, the current DiffServ model can only provide a coarse end-to-end QoS granularity to individual data flows. This is undesirable for many network services such as the virtual private network (VPN), since it may result in low resource utilisation to guarantee the required QoS. In the paper the concept of service vector is proposed to provide finer QoS granularity in DiffServ networks through the framework of a distributed admission control scheme referred to as explicit endpoint admission control (EEAC). Specifically, by applying the proposed service vector and EEAC scheme, a data flow is allowed to choose different services at different nodes to achieve fine QoS granularity and architectural scalability. The models and solutions that represent the users' behaviour in selecting the appropriate network services are also discussed. The performance evaluation of the proposed approach demonstrates that the service vector and EEAC scheme can result in lower request drop ratio, satisfactory end-to-end performance, fine end-to-end QoS granularity, and lower cost for each user.
Post-stagnation behavior in the upstream regions of Ice Stream C, West Antarctica

The region where two active tributaries feed into the now stagnant Ice Stream C (ISC), West Antarctica, is thickening. In this region, we observe a correlation between faster ice flow (the tributaries) and elevated topography. We conclude that stagnation of ISC resulted in compression and thickening along the tributaries, eventually forming a “bulge” on the ice-sheet surface. Modern hydraulic potential gradients would divert basal meltwater from ISC to Ice Stream B (ISB). These gradients are primarily controlled by the bulge topography, and so likely formed subsequent to trunk stagnation. As such, we argue against “water piracy” as being the cause for ISC’s stagnation. Kinematic-wave theory suggests that thickness perturbations propagate downstream over time, but that kinematic-wave speed decreases near the stagnant trunk. This and modest diffusion rates combine to trap most of the tributary-fed ice in the bulge region. Using interfero-metric synthetic aperture radar velocity measurements, we observe that half of the ice within ISC’s southern tributary flows into ISB. That flow pattern and other observations of non-steady flow in the region likely result from stagnation-induced thickening along upper ISC combined with a longer period of thinning on upper ISB. If current trends in thickness change continue, more ice from upper ISC will be diverted to ISB.
Identifying Client Fairness Criteria in Income Tax Services

Abstract Organizational justice (i.e., fairness) has been an important construct in the management literature. Employee perceptions of the fairness of outcomes and procedures have been found to have important attitudinal and behavioral consequences. Fairness has more recently been studied in service industries. However, client perceptions of fairness in accounting services have yet to be explored. It is likely that fairness perceptions are particularly salient in income tax return services. In an exploratory study, we sought to identify the types of experiences that trigger these clients' perceptions of fairness. The results suggest some common criteria that can help CPAs and their firms mitigate the potential negative consequences of client perceptions of unfairness. Regression analyses were also used to determine the most significant predictors of client satisfaction with the overall service and global perceptions of fairness.
Electromagnetic and Gravitational Radiation

Guided by the analogy of the electromagnetic field we consider here the influence of gravitational radiation on the gravitational field and on the equations of motion in the case of a two-body problem. This leads to a generalization of the previously developed methods of solving the gravitational equations and finding the equations of motion.