cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polynucleotides. XI. Thermodynamics of (A)N.2(U)∞ from the dependence of TmN on oligomer length

The variation in the helix-coil transition temperature, TmN, with oligomer length, N, for the system ((I)) has been examined. The results for N = 4-13, measured in 0.2M Na+, have been analyzed in terms of the expression of Blake (1972): ((II)) where cm is the free oligomer concentration at TmN, and Vrf is the thermodynamic free volume available to a helical base-triplet residue. The correlation coefficient for the fit to expression (II) of data obtained over a 50° temperature range is 0.997 when ΔHr = −12.6 kcal/mole of base-triplets (independent of oligomer length (N ⪖ 4) or temperature), the value previously obtained from both calorimetry of (A)∞·2(U)∞ and (A)4 concentration dependence of Tm. It is found that Vrf = 8.0 × 10−4 1/mole (± 30%) or 1.33 A3 per helical base-triplet, and is constant with temperature. A maximum value for Vrf of 21.0 × 10−4 1/M (± 1.3%), equivalent to 3.54 A3 per helical basetriplet is obtained by the same treatment of the helix-coil transition data for the three-stranded helix formed by adenosine (N = 1) and 2(U)∞ obtained by Davies and Davidson (1971).
Selenomethionine content of candidate reference materials

Selenium has been identified as an antioxidant of importance in the diet. Accurate determination of its chemical forms depends on the availability of suitable reference materials (RMs). Two candidate reference materials for determination of selenomethionine (Semet) in food-related materials, a standard wheat gluten sample (NIST RM 8418 Wheat Gluten) and a commercial selenium enriched yeast, have been examined by use of a gas chromatography–isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) procedure, after treatment of the matrix with 0.1 mol L–1 hydrochloric acid containing stannous chloride, addition of CNBr, and extraction with chloroform. This procedure results in cleavage of the CH3Se group to form volatile CH3SeCN. Addition of isotopically enriched 74Semet to an analytical sample enables estimation of the naturally occurring protein-bound 80Semet by IDMS without a protein-digestion process. We found that the Wheat Gluten RM contains a significant amount of Semet as a portion of its assigned value of 2.58 μg Setotal g–1. Commercial selenium yeast tablets are labeled as containing an elevated level of “organic selenium”, usually as Semet. The sample we investigated contained 210 μg Setotal g–1 sample as determined separately by IDMS, measuring elemental selenium after digestion. 73% of this total (153±21 μg SeSemet g–1; n = 23) was present as Semet. Thus, these two materials contain significant amounts of their total selenium content as Semet and would be good candidates for further study and characterization as reference materials for determining this important food component. The CNBr reaction used will also enable the determination of Se-(methyl)selenocysteine, the biological role of which is of recent interest. In addition to matrix RMs for Semet, it is important to have standard materials of the pure substance. We have examined a sample of a candidate standard material of selenomethionine being prepared by the USP. It was confirmed that this material is pure selenomethionine.
Reduced glucose-induced neuronal activation in the hypothalamus of diet-induced obese rats

Abstract Rats predisposed to develop diet-induced obesity (DIO) preferentially activate their sympathetic nervous system during intracarotid glucose infusion [B.E. Levin, Intracarotid glucose-induced norepinephrine response and the development of diet-induced obesity, Int. J. Obesity 16 (1992) 451–457.] but their brains are generally less responsive to glucose than diet-resistant rats (DR) [B.E. Levin, K.L. Brown, A.A. Dunn-Meynell, Differential effects of diet and obesity on high and low affinity sulfonylurea binding sites in the rat brain, Brain Res. 739 (1996) 293–300.; B.E. Levin, B. Planas, Defective glucoregulation of brain α 2 -adrenoceptors in obesity-prone rats, Am. J. Physiol. 264 (1993) R305–R311.; B.E. Levin, A.C. Sullivan, Glucose-induced norepinephrine levels and obesity resistance, Am. J. Physiol. 253 (1987) R475–R481.; B.E. Levin, A.C. Sullivan, Glucose-induced sympathetic activation in obesity-prone and resistant rats, Int. J. Obesity 13 (1989) 235–246.]. Here, 1 h intracarotid glucose infusions (4 mg/kg/min) selectively increased Fos-like immunoreactivity (FLIR) in the hypothalamic paraventricular, ventromedial, dorsomedial and arcuate nuclei of inbred DR but not DIO rats. This suggests that enhanced glucose-induced sympathetic activation in DIO rats is related to a failure of glucose to produce neuronal activation in these areas.
A Practical Approach to Drug Education.

It is the province of all educators to effectively deal with the tribulations of drug abuse on the highest level possible. This level may simply be termed the “preventive resolution.” A cogent drug education program, factorally suited to age-education, developmental and cultural variables and longitudinally implemented throughout a community educational system, is the preventive resolution.
Evaluation of bivalirudin treatment for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in critically ill patients with hepatic and/or renal dysfunction

Study objective To evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and dosing of bivalirudin for treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in critically ill patients with hepatic and/or renal dysfunction. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting University-affiliated medical center Patients Eighteen patients older than 18 years who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), had hepatic and/or renal dysfunction, and were treated with bivalirudin for the diagnosis of HIT between January 1, 2004, and March 31, 2005. Measurements and main results Patient records were reviewed for dosage and duration of bivalirudin therapy, occurrence of thrombosis, and clinically significant adverse effects. Of the 18 patients identified, 12 had both hepatic and renal dysfunction (group 1), four had hepatic dysfunction (group 2), and two had renal dysfunction (group 3). Demographics were similar among the groups. Mean +/- SD age was 54 +/- 15 years and weight was 82 +/- 14 kg, 67% were male, 83% were Caucasian, and 56% were receiving renal replacement therapy. Mean bivalirudin doses were 0.06 +/- 0.15 mg/kg/hour (median 0.03 mg/kg/hr), 0.14 +/- 0.05 mg/kg/hour (median 0.14 mg/kg/hr), and 0.05 +/- 0.01 mg/kg/hour (median 0.05 mg/kg/hr) for patients in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Ten patients receiving continuous venovenous hemofiltration with or without dialysis received a mean dose of 0.04 +/- 0.03 mg/kg/hour (median 0.03 mg/kg/hr). In the 18 patients, mean bivalirudin duration was 15 +/- 17 days, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was 69 +/- 22 seconds, and international normalized ratio was 2.2 +/- 0.8. Supratherapeutic aPTTs were most common on days 1 (22%) and 2 (28%) when bivalirudin doses were highest. Clinically significant bleeding did not occur in any patient. Thrombosis occurred in one patient (6%) while receiving bivalirudin. Conclusion Patients in the ICU who have hepatic and/or renal dysfunction require low doses of bivalirudin to achieve aPTT values 1.5-2.5 times baseline. Bivalirudin can be safely started at 0.14 mg/kg/hour in patients with hepatic dysfunction, 0.03-0.05 mg/kg/hour in those with renal or combined hepatic and renal dysfunction, and 0.03-0.04 mg/kg/hour in patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy.
Incidence and risk factors for vertebral fracture in women and men: 25-year follow-up results from the population-based Framingham study.

This study evaluates baseline characteristics of 704 women and men in the Framingham Study with respect to long-term risk of incident vertebral fracture. Incidence was 24% in women and 10% in men. Few factors in middle-aged persons, except prevalent (moderate) fracture and alcohol consumption (in men), predicted long-term incidence of vertebral fracture. Introduction: We studied potential risk factors in women and men in middle adult years to help identify individuals at increased long-term risk of vertebral fracture in advanced age. Materials and Methods: Participants included Framingham cohort members who underwent radiographic examinations at baseline in 1967–1969 (mean age, 53 years) and follow-up in 1992–1993. Semiquantitative methods were used to determine incident fracture, defined as any vertebral body graded normal at baseline and at least mildly deformed (20–25% reduction or more in any vertebral height) at follow-up. Information on potential risk factors was obtained from examinations conducted at or before baseline radiography. Results: Prevalence of vertebral fracture was similar (14%) in women and men, although incidence was greater in women (24%) than men (10%). Alcohol consumption increased fracture risk in men. Multivariable-adjusted ORs increased from 1.78 in men who consumed 1–3 oz of alcohol per week in middle-age years to 4.61 in those with intakes of ≥4 oz/week (trend, P = 0.0099). Age, height, weight, grip strength, physical activity, metacarpal cortical area, and estrogen use (in women) had little or no influence on cumulative incidence of vertebral fracture. Results were similar when fracture was restricted to (at least) moderate severity; however, participants with moderate to severe fracture prevalent at baseline had five times the incidence of moderate to severe fracture during follow-up compared with those without moderately to severe prevalent fractures. Conclusions: Few factors in middle-aged persons, except prevalent fracture and alcohol consumption (in men), predict long-term incidence of vertebral fracture. The explanation underlying this finding is not readily apparent, however, risk factors for vertebral fracture may be more relevant to older individuals, with respect to short-term fracture risk, than to middle-aged adults in relation to long-term risk with aging.
Streptomycin resistance in Bacillus megaterium.

Abstract Spontaneous mutation rates to streptomycin (SM) resistance were measured for dormant B. megatarium spores and for spores at different times into germination. The number of SM-resistant colonies which formed increased with time into germination, although there was no simultaneous increase in the size of the population. Since the increase in the number of mutations seems to parallel the expected onset and rate of DNA synthesis, these results appear to show that SM resistance is genetically dominant over SM sensitivity. This interpretation contradicts the widely accepted evidence from E. coli that for mutations on the genome SM resistance is recessive to SM sensitivity. It is known, however, that E. coli can carry an episome which codes for a response to SM. At this locus, SM resistance is dominant. Although no episome has been reported for a Bacillus, our results could be explained by assuming that one exists and that the genetics governing its response to SM are like those of E. coli.
Organic Contamination of Ground Water at Gas Works Park, Seattle, Washington

Gas Works Park, in Seattle, Washington, is located on the site of a coal and oil gasification plant that ceased operation in 1956. During operation, many types of wastes, including coal, tar, and oil, accumulated on-site. The park soil is currently (1986) contaminated with compounds such as polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, trace metals, and cyanide. Analyses of water samples from a network of observation wells in the park indicate that these compounds are also present in the ground water. Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds were identified in ground water samples in concentrations as large as 200 mg/L. Concentrations of organic compounds were largest where ground water was in contact with a non-aqueous phase liquid in the soil. Where no non-aqueous phase liquid was present, concentrations were much smaller, even if the ground water was in contact with contaminated soils. This condition is attributed to weathering processes in which soluble, low-molecular-weight organic compounds are preferentially dissolved from the non-aqueous phase liquid into the ground water. Where no non-aqueous phase liquid is present, only stained soils containing relatively insoluble, high-molecular-weight compounds remain. Concentrations of organic contaminants in the soils may still remain large.
Survey of prokinetic use in horses with gastrointestinal injury.

Objective— To report prokinetic strategies used to manage horses after gastrointestinal surgery. Design— Electronic questionnaire. Sample Population— Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) who perform equine intestinal surgery Procedure— A survey (21 questions) designed to determine use of prokinetic agents was sent electronically to 112 ACVS Diplomates known to perform equine intestinal surgery. Several clinical scenarios were also described to determine which, if any, prokinetic agent respondents would select. Results— Responses were obtained from 58 (52%) surgeons from 44 clinics. Selection of prokinetic agent for specific gastrointestinal conditions was relatively uniform whereas there was considerable variation in dose administered. For postoperative ileus (POI) associated with most intestinal lesions, 2% lidocaine was most commonly selected. Other prokinetics in decreasing frequency of use were erythromycin lactobionate, metoclopramide, and cisapride. Prokinetic agents were more commonly administered after small intestine strangulating obstructions and less commonly for large intestinal lesions. No novel agents were identified by respondents. Conclusions— Prokinetic drugs are commonly used for the management and/or attenuation of POI in horses, but dosages and routes of administration are variable. Clinical Relevance— Although prokinetics are commonly used for management of POI in horses there is clearly a need for more controlled studies to define efficacious dosing and a need to develop new prokinetic drugs.
Analysis of melting of alloy powder bed with constant heat flux

Abstract Melting of an alloy powder bed with constant heat flux for application in selective laser sintering (SLS) is analyzed in this paper. Since melting of an alloy occurs in a range of temperatures, instead of at a single melting point, there will be a mushy zone – containing partially melted powders – between the unmelted region and the completely melted region. The mushy zone can be further divided into two sub-regions: (1) a lower part with constant porosity (shrinkage takes place), and (2) an upper part with constant volume (no shrinkage). Temperature distributions in different regions and locations of melting interfaces are obtained using an integral approximation method. The results show that increasing initial porosity and temperature of the powder bed accelerate the melting process. The melting slows down with increasing thermal conductivity of the interstitial gas.
Newer archaeologies of the soul: avatars of religious consciousness in modern European fiction

The juxtaposition of cultural eras and belief systems reached a new encyclopedic scale in poetic narratives and anthropological treatises from the Renaissance onward as we see in the works of Rabelais and Kircher. In the romantic age, Goethe’s completed Faust established a new epochal standard for probing the story of human spiritual development over millennia. Heirs to this rich tradition, authors such as Mann and Joyce felt liberated to re-examine mythological patterns and varieties of religious consciousness as a crucial heritage against the backdrop of modern strains of negation and deconstruction of belief systems. Combining self-critical irony with brilliant depictions of literary and psycho-historical avatars, their novels finally suggest a spiritual super-reality that emerges from the colossal repertory of evolutionary evidence.
Do nonconvulsive seizures damage the brain?--No.

of early seizures for in-hospital mortality in acute cerebral vascular disease. Neurology. 1996;47: 1429-1435. 43. Bogousslavsky J, Martin R, Regli F, Despland P-A, Bolyn S. Persistent worsening of stroke sequelae after delayed seizures. Arch Neurol. 1992; 49:385-388. 44. DeGiorgio CM, Gott PS, Rabinowicz AL, Heck CN, Smith TD, Correale JD. Neuron-specific enolase, a marker for acute neuronal injury, is increased in complex partial status epilepticus. Epilepsia. 1996;37:606-609. 45. Rabinowicz AL, Correale JD, Bracht KA, Smith TD, DeGeorgio CM. Neuron-specific enolase is increased after nonconvulsive status epilepticus. Epilepsia. 1995;36:475. 46. DeGeorgio CM, Correale JD, Ginsburg DL, et al. Serum neuron specific enolase in status epilepticus. Neurology. 1994;44(suppl 2):205. 47. Rabinowicz AL, Correale JD, Couldwel l WT, DeGeorgio CM. CSF neuron specific enolase after methohexital activation during electrocorticography. Neurology. 1994;44:1167-1169. 48. Dunne JW, Summers QA, Stewart-Wynne EG. Nonconvulsive status epilepticus: a prospective study in an adult general hospital. Q J Med. 1987; 238:117-126. 49. Trieman DM, Delgado-Escueta AV, Clark MA. Impairment of memory following complex partial status epilepticus. Neurology. 1981;31:109. 50. Escueta AV, Boxley J, Stubbs N, Wadell G, Wilson WA. Prolonged twilight state and automatisms: a case report. Neurology. 1974;24:331339. 51. Kitagawa T, Takahashi K, Matsushima K, Kawahara R. A case of prolonged confusion after temporal lobe psychomotor status. Folia Psychiatr Neurol. 1989;33:279-284. 52. Wasterlain CG, Fujikawa DG, Penix L, Sankar R. Pathophysiological mechanisms of brain damage from status epilepticus. Epilepsia. 1993;34 (suppl 1):37-53. 53. Engel J, Ludwig BI, Fetell M. Prolonged partial complex status epilepticus: EEG and behavioral observations. Neurology. 1978;28:863-869. 54. Krumholz A, Sung GY, Fisher RS, et al. Complex partial status epilepticus accompanied by serious morbidity and mortality. Neurology. 1995; 45:1499-1504. 55. Doose H. Nonconvulsive status epilepticus in childhood: clinical aspects and classification. Adv Neurol. 1983;34:83-92. 56. Stores G, Zaiwalla Z, Styles E, Hoshika A. Nonconvulsive status epilepticus. Arch Dis Child . 1995; 73:106-111. 57. Towne AR, Pellock JM, Ko D, DeLorenzo RJ. Determinants of mortality in status epilepticus. Epilepsia. 1994;35:27-34. 58. Drislaine FW, Schomer DL. Clinical implications of generalized status epilepticus. Epilepsy Res. 1994;19:111-121. 59. Litt B, Dizon L, Ryan D. Fatal nonconvulsive status epilepticus in the elderly. Epilepsia. 1994;35 (suppl 8):10. 60. Scholtes FB, Renier WO, Meinardi H. Nonconvulsive status epilepticus: causes, treatment and outcome in 65 patients. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1996;61:93-95.
Who Gave It? Who Got It?: The Enforcement of Campaign Finance Laws in the States

This study examines the record of enforcement by state campaign finance agencies since their inception following Watergate. These boards and commissions exist in twenty-six states, although ten of them do not engage in substantial efforts to enforce the campaign finance laws. The remaining sixteen have established enforcement records that meet minimal standards, but only four have sought to administer substantial penalties and other civil remedies with consistency and vigor. Each of the four is subjected to separate analysis as to structure, level of fines, administration of other sanctions, and judicial experiences.
The hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy model of perinatal ischemia.

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is the consequence of systemic asphyxia occurring at birth. Twenty five percent of neonates with HIE develop severe and permanent neuropsychological sequelae, including mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. The outcomes of HIE are devastating and permanent, making it critical to identify and develop therapeutic strategies to reduce brain injury in newborns with HIE. To that end, the neonatal rat model for hypoxic-ischemic brain injury has been developed to model this human condition. The HIE model was first validated by Vannucci et al 1 and has since been extensively used to identify mechanisms of brain injury resulting from perinatal hypoxia-ischemia 2 and to test potential therapeutic interventions 3,4. The HIE model is a two step process and involves the ligation of the left common carotid artery followed by exposure to a hypoxic environment. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the hemisphere ipsilateral to the ligated carotid artery does not decrease because of the collateral blood flow via the circle of Willis; however with lower oxygen tension, the CBF in the ipsilateral hemisphere decreases significantly and results in unilateral ischemic injury. The use of 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) to stain and identify ischemic brain tissue was originally developed for adult models of rodent cerebral ischemia 5, and is used to evaluate the extent of cerebral infarctin at early time points up to 72 hours after the ischemic event 6. In this video, we demonstrate the hypoxic-ischemic injury model in postnatal rat brain and the evaluation of the infarct size using TTC staining.
Multiple realization by compensatory differences

One way that scientifically recognized properties are multiply realized is by “compensatory differences” among realizing properties. If a property G is jointly realized by two properties F1 and F2, then G can be multiply realized by having changes in the property F1 offset changes in the property F2. In some cases, there are scientific laws that articulate how distinct combinations of physical quantities can determine one and the same value of some other physical quantity. One moral to draw is that in such cases we have the multiple realization of a single determinate, “fine grained” property instance that is exactly similar to another instance. As simple as this moral is, it has ramifications for a number of recent discussions of multiple realization in science. Taken collectively, these ramifications indicate that multiple realization by compensatory adjustments merits greater attention in the philosophy of science literature than it has hitherto received.
Aqueous arrayed imaging reflectometry as a sensitive platform for real-time biomolecular interaction analysis

Arrayed imaging reflectometry (AIR) has been previously demonstrated as a highly sensitive biosensing technique, with picomolar limits of detection observed for certain cytokines and growth factors. However, the implementation of AIR has so far been on dry chip surfaces in an end-point sensor format that precludes real-time monitoring of interactions. The simple substrate format used for dry AIR (a thermally grown oxide film on silicon) is unsuitable for imaging in an aqueous medium due to near grazing angles of incidence required to achieve total destructive interference of reflected light, the foundation of AIR. Hence, a new substrate was identified that would allow practically realizable incidence angles. Here, the substrate proposed for AIR imaging under an aqueous environment has been described, and its ability to detect Angstrom level thickness differences has been demonstrated. This substrate consisted of a two-layer stack on silicon: a silicon nitride film followed by a sputtered oxide film, which produced the total destructive interference condition required for AIR for an operating wavelength of 632.8 nm and an angle of incidence of ~52°. The apparatus used for imaging substrates in an aqueous environment was essentially the same as that used for dry AIR, modified by the incorporation of a flow cell. Several chips were patterned with oxide posts such that the background yielded minimum reflectance while the post heights were varied to test the thickness sensitivity of the new sensor configuration. Detectable contrast from substrates bearing oxide posts with a 0.2 nm thickness was observed using pure water or aqueous solutions of sucrose. This substrate can thus be used to monitor biomolecular interactions in real time with a high sensitivity.
Effect of surface microenvironment on bound spiropyran photochemistry

Spiropyrans are a group of organic molecules that undergo a reversible photoinduced transformation (i.e. photochromism) from a colorless, non-planar spiropyran form to a colored, planar merocyanine form. Photochromism is accompanied by a large change in the structure and the dipole moment. These changes suggest that such molecules might be useful in light-controlled, 'smart surface' applications. This study examines the effect of the microenvironment near the surface-bound spiropyran on its photochemistry. The surfaces were designed to exhibit a mixture of hydrophobic and hydrophilic components using a mixed silane chemistry on a silica substrate, and the spiropyran was covalently bound to the surface using a carbodiimide linking technique. The solvatochromic behavior of spiropyran derivatives was studied in solution using UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy for comparison with the surface-bound species. Spiropyrans in solution and on the surface both exhibited negative solvatochromism. Based on linear solvation energy relationships using the Kamlet-Taft polarity scales, hydrogen bonding appears to play a prominent role in solvent stabilization of spiropyrans in solution and on surfaces. Correlations between emission maxima of the spiropyrans and Reichardt's ET(30) polarity scale revealed that both the solvent and the substituent groups on the spiropyran affected the spiropyran photochemistry. The solvatochromic behavior of the surface-bound spiropyran was similar to that of a model spiropyran in solution, being very sensitive to the polarity of the surrounding liquid and not significantly affected by the surface components, except in solvents of low polarity where the surface seemed to have an increased influence on the spiropyran's solvation shell.
Active hyperspectral imaging

Hyperspectral imaging has emerged as a useful technology for target recognition and anomaly detection. However, passive hyperspectral sensors in the VNIR/SWIR are limited to daytime and fair weather operations. Furthermore, for applications such as material identification, the need for reflectance spectra requires either inscene calibration panels or detailed atmospheric information. Active hyperspectral sensing has the potential to increase the utility of hyperspectral imaging by enabling nighttime operation and non-cooperative conversion to reflectance. At MIT Lincoln Laboratory we have developed an active hyperspectral sensor system to investigate combining active illumination with hyperspectral imaging. Our primary illumination source is a novel broadband ‘white light’ laser, developed at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. Initial phenomenology measurements have revealed an additional benefit of active illumination - enhanced scene contrast due to shadow reduction. We have demonstrated two orders of magnitude decrease in false alarm rates with active illumination versus passive.
Electromagnetic ion/ion cyclotron instability at slow shocks

The linear and nonlinear properties of the obliquely propagating electromagnetic ion/ion cyclotron instability are investigated. The instability is driven by the relative, field-aligned streaming of two ion beams and can exist at a lower velocity threshold than the more commonly studied, parallel propagating electromagnetic ion beam instabilities. It is shown that the instability plays an important role in the formation of, dissipation at, and waves upstream of slow mode shocks. Possible application of this instability to ion beams in the plasma sheet boundary layer is also briefly discussed.
Fragmentation of chloroperoxides: hypochlorite-mediated dehydration of hydroperoxyacetals to esters.

Hypochlorites efficiently dehydrate hydroperoxyacetals to furnish the corresponding esters. The reaction, which can be accomplished with stoichometric Ca(OCl)2 or with catalytic amounts of t-BuOCl, appears to involve formation and heterolytic fragmentation of secondary chloroperoxides, species not previously described in solution chemistry.
Distribution of systemic blood flow during anoxia in the turtle, Chrysemys scripta

Hypoxia causes a reflex redistribution of regional blood flow in mammals that maintains delivery of oxygen to vital organs such as the brain during periods of decreased oxygen availability. The present study was performed to test if this response is developed in lower vertebrates. Regional organ blood flow and arterial blood gases were measured during normoxia (room air) and anoxia (nitrogen breathing) in anesthetized turtles, Chrysemys scripta. Organ blood flow was measured by the distribution of radioactive microspheres injected into the left atrium. The concentration of the microspheres in the organ is directly related to the blood flow rate. By knowing the reference blood flow rate, the reference microsphere concentration, and the total counts in the tissue, the tissue blood flow rate can be calculated. Anoxia caused a redistribution of blood flow away from the kidneys and splanchnic bed the brain. Coronary blood flow and skeletal muscle blood flow remained constant. Brain blood flow increased approximately 260%. Blood flow to the kidneys and stomach was reduced approximately 50%. Blood flow to the pancreas, small intestine, and liver decreased almost to zero. The observation of anoxia-induced reflex redistribution of organ blood flow in a lower vertebrate suggests that this mechanism could be characteristic of vertebrates in general.
Team Leadership: A Systems Approach

Leadership of modern organizations will need to focus on the team as the working unit. This way of addressing leadership is best accomplished when embedded in a Systems Approach to analyzing the or...
A Theoretical and Empirical Comparison of Free Agent and Arbitration-Eligible Salaries Negotiated in Major League Baseball

This paper presents a theoretical and empirical comparison of determination of negotiated salaries in baseball's free agent market to that in its final-offer arbitration (FOA) system. The theoretical bargaining model of each system is based on Nash (1950). It is argued that Farber's (1980) model of FOA is not fully applicable in explaining baseball's FOA process. The free agent market and the arbitration system each determine negotiated salaries that are dependent on the different disagreement outcomes of the negotiators in the respective systems. It is thus concluded theoretically that the two systems will determine salaries differently. The theoretical analysis also suggests that there may be selection bias present when one empirically analyzes only negotiated settlements. Using a straightforward regression model that controls for productivity, playing experience, and the potential selection bias, the empirical analysis substantiates the theory's results. A method is then developed to estimate the effect that free agent salaries have on salaries for arbitration-eligible players. It is found that there is a significant positive relationship between them, but the systems do not determine equal salaries for comparable players.
Anti-tumor effects and tumor immunogenicity following IL2 or IL4 cytokine gene transfection of three mouse mammary tumors

Background: The anti-tumor effects of three mouse mammary tumors transfected to express interleukin (IL) 2 or 4 were evaluated.
Le Français Tel Qu'on L'Enseigne

Author's Summary— The opinions in an article (M.L.J., March 1945) on American teachers of French and the textbooks used are erroneous. A rather extensive survey yields facts and figures presenting a very different picture. The books we use do not teach merely an outmoded form of French.
Temperature coefficient of refractive index for candidate optical windows

The temperature coefficients of refractive index for various crystalline and polycrystalline materials, Al203 (ordinary ray), Y203, LaO3-dOped Y203, ALON, and MgA12O4 were determined from measurements of optical thickness as a function of temperature using a Michelson interferometer operating at 0.633 pm. For the temperature range of 23°C to 500°C, the first order coefficients ranged from 8.28x10I0C for pure yttria to 14.6x10/°C for ALON. Measurements of NaC1 and A1203 samples using this technique are in agreement with published data.
Effects of glucocorticoids on gene transcription.

Abstract Glucocorticoids bind to and activate a cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptor. The activated glucocorticoid receptor translocates into the nucleus and binds to specific response elements in the promoter regions of anti-inflammatory genes such as lipocortin-1 and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI). However, the major anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids appear to be due largely to interaction between the activated glucocorticoid receptor and transcription factors, notably nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1), that mediate the expression of inflammatory genes. NF-κB switches on inflammatory genes via a process involving recruitment of transcriptional co-activator proteins and changes in chromatin modifications such as histone acetylation. This process must occur in the correct temporal manner to allow for effective inflammatory gene expression to occur. The interactions between NF-κB and the glucocorticoid receptor result in differing effects on histone modifications and chromatin remodelling. Drugs that enhance glucocorticoid receptor nuclear translocation (long acting β-agonists) and GR-associated histone deacetylases activity (theophylline) have been shown to be effective add-on therapies. In addition, dissociated glucocorticoids that target NF-κB preferentially have also been successful in the treatment of allergic disease.
A phonetic analysis of voicing assimilation in Russian

Abstract This study investigated phonetic effects of regressive voicing assimilation across prepositional boundaries in Russian. Five native speakers produced sentences containing four fricative-stop combinations /zd, sd, zt, st/ and four stop-fricative combinations /dz, tz, ds, ts/. Overall, acoustic analyses strongly supported a process of regressive voicing assimilation. For cluster-initial fricatives, consonant duration depended on whether the following consonant was voiced or unvoiced, not on underlying voicing. Furthermore, for initial stops and fricatives, duration of voicing was consistent with the voicing characteristics of the following consonant rather than those of the underlying consonant. In addition, cluster-initial obstruents showed significant differences in relative amplitude of voicing that depended on the following environment, not on the underlying voicing. However, some evidence did suggest that neutralization was not complete. Differences in relative amplitude depending on underlying voicing were observed in the middle and end of the interval for some of the clusters. In addition, there were some speaker differences in the production of voicing.
Transient Response of Tapered Elastic Bars

Exact solutions are obtained for a model of the longitudinal displacement along an elastic tapered bar due to a force applied at its blunt end. A formula for velocity amplification is given; it specifies the velocity of the pointed end of the bar shortly after it feels the influence of the force. For a bar with an exponentially decreasing cross-sectional area, the velocity is magnified by twice an exponential function of length. This result has applications in the design of piezoelectric drills. In addition, we discuss the differences between the motions of rigid and elastic bars during the transient before one complete reflection of the wave induced by a force applied to an end of the bar. In this regime, force is proportional to velocity for elastic bars with constant cross-sectional areas. While the force-velocity relationship is more complicated for tapered elastic bars, their exact relationship is determined.
Second-hand smoke increases nitric oxide and alters the IgE response in a murine model of allergic aspergillosis

This study was performed to determine the effects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) on nitric oxide (NO) and immunoglobulin (Ig) production in a murine model of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Adult BALB/c mice were exposed to aged and diluted sidestream cigarette smoke from day 0 through day 43 to simulate "second-hand smoke". During exposure, mice were sensitized to soluble Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) antigen intranasally between day 14 and 24. All Af sensitized mice in ambient air (Af + AIR) made elevated levels of IgE, IgG1, IgM, IgG2a and IgA. Af sensitized mice housed in ETS (Af + ETS) made similar levels of immunoglobulins except for IgE that was significantly reduced in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). However, immunohistochemical evaluation of the lung revealed a marked accumulation of IgE positive cells in the lung parenchyma of these Af + ETS mice. LPS stimulation of BAL cells revealed elevated levels of NO in the Af + AIR group, which was further enhanced in the Af + ETS group. In vitro restimulation of the BAL cells on day 45 showed a THO response with elevated levels of IL3, 4, 5, 10 and IFN-gamma. However, by day 28 the response shifted such that TH2 cytokines increased while IFN-gamma decreased. The Af + ETS group showed markedly reduced levels in all cytokines tested, including the inflammatory cytokine IL6, when compared to the Af + AIR group. These results demonstrate that ETS affects ABPA by further enhancing the NO production and reduces the TH2 and the inflammatory cytokines while altering the pattern of IgE responses.
Network reconstruction of platelet metabolism identifies metabolic signature for aspirin resistance

Recently there has not been a systematic, objective assessment of the metabolic capabilities of the human platelet. A manually curated, functionally tested, and validated biochemical reaction network of platelet metabolism, iAT-PLT-636, was reconstructed using 33 proteomic datasets and 354 literature references. The network contains enzymes mapping to 403 diseases and 231 FDA approved drugs, alluding to an expansive scope of biochemical transformations that may affect or be affected by disease processes in multiple organ systems. The effect of aspirin (ASA) resistance on platelet metabolism was evaluated using constraint-based modeling, which revealed a redirection of glycolytic, fatty acid, and nucleotide metabolism reaction fluxes in order to accommodate eicosanoid synthesis and reactive oxygen species stress. These results were confirmed with independent proteomic data. The construction and availability of iAT-PLT-636 should stimulate further data-driven, systems analysis of platelet metabolism towards the understanding of pathophysiological conditions including, but not strictly limited to, coagulopathies.
Analysis of the Hot Bands ν7+ ν8− ν8and ν4+ 2ν8− ν8of Methyl Isocyanide

Abstract The perpendicular hot bands ν ∓ 7 + ν ∓ 8 − ν ∓ 8 ( E–E ), ν ∓ 7 + ν ± 8 − ν ± 8 ( A 1,2 – E ), and ν 4 + 2ν ±2 8 − ν ± 8 ( E–E ) occurring in the region of the ν 7 fundamental of CH 3 NC (1050–1250 cm −1 , cf. J. Pliva et al., J. Mol. Spectrosc. 173, 423–430, 1995) have been analyzed. Eleven subbands of the E–E component and 10 subbands of the A 1,2 –E component of ν 7 + ν 8 − ν 8 plus four subbands of ν 4 + 2ν 8 − ν 8 have been assigned and used in the analysis. The fundamental states ν 6 and ν 3 which strongly affect the upper states of the hot transitions by anharmonic and Coriolis resonances have been included in a comprehensive analysis. Reliable values are reported for the spectroscopic and interaction constants of all the states involved as well as for the vibrational and anharmonic constants x 78 , x 78 ( g 78 ), x 48 , ω 0 8 , x 88 , and x 88 ( g 88 ).
Charismatic Leadership: The Hidden Controversy

This article looks at three controversial topics related to charismatic leadership: (1) Is charismatic leadership always a good thing? (2) Are we doomed by nature to be either charismatic or not? (...
A parallel algorithm for temporal decomposition of long horizon optimal control problems

This paper presents a solution methodology for the temporal decomposition of a class of discrete time optimal control problems. By applying the temporal decomposition, a long horizon optimal control problem is converted into a two-level optimization problem where the high-level problem involves parameter optimization and low-level subproblems are optimal control problems with shorter time horizon. A two-level optimization algorithm with parallel processing structure is developed. It adopts Newton's method for the high level and the Differential Dynamic Programming (DDP) for the low level. Issues for integrating the two optimization techniques into one efficient two-level parallel algorithm are investigated. Numerical testing results show potential of this approach in solving long-horizon problems with parallel processors.
Definitions of fungal rhinosinusitis

Classification of fungal rhinosinusitis is important for the accurate prediction of prognosis and direct therapy. The most important distinction is between invasive and noninvasive fungal rhinosinusitis. Within the invasive division are acute invasive and chronic invasive (granulomatous and nongranulomatous forms) rhinosinusitis. Within the noninvasive division are saprophytic colonization, fungus balls, and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis. This article briefly outlines the definition and management of each of these manifestations.
Thymidine-5'-triphosphate incorporation into DNA by rat thymus nuclei.

Abstract It has been possible to isolate rat thymus nuclei that retain the capacity to incorporate thymidine-5′-triphosphate into DNA bound to the nucleus. The reaction is stimulated by the presence of the other three deoxynucleoside-5′-triphosphates, Mg2+ and an excess of ATP. Both denatured and native DNA, when added to the nuclei, serve as effective templates. In those preparations with least contamination with intact cells, thymidine-5′-triphosphate is incorporated at a more rapid rate than thymidine.
A model for enhanced pea seedling vigour following low pH and salicylic acid treatments

Abstract In the simplest of terms, seed vigour is a visual measure of a seed’s ability to germinate and survive its early growth and development period. Improvement of seed vigour is important for optimal emergence, stress resistance and uniform growth of emerging seedlings. We have hypothesized that acid-induced cell growth and elongation is regulated through the pentose-phosphate pathway; therefore, the effect of acidification linked to salicylic acid (SA) on growth, cell elongation, and phenolic synthesis was investigated. The experiments consisted of low pH and SA treatments followed by the measurement of phenolic levels and assay of the key regulatory enzyme of the pentose-phosphate pathway, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), during post-germination growth and elongation of peas. Phenolic and enzyme levels were determined by UV spectrophotometric assays. A low pH environment stimulated phenolic synthesis and increased tissue rigidity. Stimulating phenolic synthesis through low pH treatment supports the hypothesis that acid-induced cell growth and elongation may be regulated through the pentose-phosphate pathway. Based on concomitant stimulation of G6PDH and increase in proline content, the pentose-phosphate pathway may be linked to stimulation of proline metabolism in response to the above treatments. It has been hypothesized that this pathway produces the critical precursors for the synthesis of phenolic secondary metabolites that are important for plant growth and lignification.
Prevention practices of family medicine clerkship preceptors in North Carolina.

Purpose Before implementing a new prevention curriculum, the authors assessed the prevention practices and attitudes of community family physicians in North Carolina who precepted third-year family medicine clerkship students. Method An 18-item questionnaire was mailed to 165 preceptors during the 1995-96 academic year. The questionnaire explored the preceptors' levels of preparation to counsel patients, the types of prevention services they offered, and their levels of success in modifying patients' behaviors. The survey was re-sent to non-respondents. Results The response rate was 70% (n = 112); of these 75% were men and 55% had graduated after 1987. Over 60% of the preceptors "almost always" offered services in smoking cessation, exercise, diet and nutrition, and age-specific services (range 62-86%). Over 50% felt "very prepared" to counsel patients regarding smoking cessation, sexually transmitted diseases, depression, exercise, alcohol use, and age-specific services (range 53-74%). However, the preceptors in this study felt pessimistic about their success in getting patients to change their behaviors. Preceptors who had graduated more recently offered more preventive services for smoking cessation, alcohol use, and illicit drugs than did earlier graduates. Discussion Although North Carolina preceptors were pessimistic about their success in changing patients' behaviors regarding prevention, they were confident about their knowledge and skills to provide these services. This information was used to modify a prevention curriculum for third-year medical students.
The “Capsule” of Sporotrichum schenckii and the evolution of the asteroid body a light and electron microscopic study

The spores of S. schenckii do not possess a capsule in vitro or in vivo. The halo around the spores seen in formalin-fixed tissues is an artefact and is localized within the spore. The asteroid body is formed by the precipitation of an antigen-antibody complex which is deposited on the surface of the spore.
A wireless biomedical instrument for evidence-based tissue wound characterization

Patients' skin integrity has long been an issue of concern in nursing homes and hospitals. Overall incidence of pressure ulcers for hospitalized patients is as high as 50%. The estimated cost of treating pressure ulcers ranges from $5,000 to $40,000 for each ulcer, depending on severity. A smart compact capacitive sensing wireless handheld system is presented which measures Sub-Epidermal Moisture (SEM) as a mean to detect and monitor early symptoms of ulcer development. The system was successfully verified in trials with 30 volunteers and is currently deployed for clinical trials in four nursing homes.
Electric fields and bone loss of disuse.

Abstract The object of this research was to investigate the effect of electric fields on bone loss due to disuse. Plaster casts embedded with electric field generating plates were applied to the right legs of forty-eight male rats. Fields of various types were applied over a period of 28 days. A paired analysis of the properties of the right and left femurs was compared to a sham group which received no field treatments. Parameters measured included bone weight, specific gravity, cortical area, ultimate strength, modulus of elasticity, hardness, osteon count, and chemical analysis. It was found that the bone weight loss and cortical area reduction caused by immobilization were reduced by electric field treatments. Eight bone tumors were observed on eighteen femurs treated with the electric fields. No tumors were observed on the sham group.